Latest news with #SpecialOlympicsMinnesota
Business Wire
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union's Annual Charitable Campaign Rallies Support for Special Olympics Minnesota
ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union (Affinity Plus) today announced the continued success of its Polar Plunge 'jump-start' promotion, its annual charitable campaign supporting Special Olympics Minnesota. In 2025, more than 2,100 Minnesotans registered for the Polar Plunge – Special Olympics Minnesota's largest fundraiser – using Affinity Plus's custom codes to receive either a general $50 donation toward the Polar Plunge's $75 fundraising minimum or a campus-specific $25 donation toward the Campus Plunges' $50 fundraising minimum. In 2025, more than 2,100 Minnesotans registered for the Polar Plunge using Affinity Plus's custom codes. Share Affinity Plus, a longtime supporter of Special Olympics Minnesota, helped Polar Plunge participants collectively raise more than $620,000 this year. As part of the promotion, Affinity Plus will make a direct donation of more than $100,000 to the organization. These funds help sustain year-round athletic and health-based programs, leadership and advocacy training, and inclusive school programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities across the state. 'Each year, we're deeply moved by the growing number of Minnesotans who brave the cold and take the Plunge for inclusion,' said Dave Larson, CEO of Affinity Plus. 'Special Olympics Minnesota holds a special place in our hearts, and our employees are passionate about championing the athletes and their incredible spirit. When we combine that dedication with the generosity and support from our local communities, we build a more inclusive, compassionate Minnesota.' This year, more than 140 Affinity Plus employees took the plunge to support Special Olympics Minnesota, raising over $65,000. In addition, the credit union expanded participation on college campuses by hosting two new Polar Plunge events at St. Cloud State University and Winona State University, as well as returning Polar Plunge events at Bemidji State University, Minnesota State University Moorhead and Minnesota State University Mankato. These campus events raised a combined $56,000 in 2025. "Affinity Plus goes beyond corporate sponsorship – they are true champions of our mission,' said Bill Fish, CEO of Special Olympics Minnesota. 'Their ongoing dedication energizes communities and creates meaningful opportunities for our athletes to grow, shine and celebrate their abilities.' Since first partnering with Special Olympics Minnesota, Affinity Plus has raised more than $1.4M and engaged thousands of community members, college students and Affinity Plus employees to participate in Polar Plunge events. Larson, a longtime volunteer and advocate, currently serves as Board Chair for Special Olympics Minnesota and has contributed more than 20 years of service to the organization. About Affinity Plus Credit Union Based in St. Paul, Minn., Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, financial cooperative that puts people first above profits. Members of Affinity Plus receive maximum value through competitive rates, minimal fees, and unique, member-centric products and programs. Established in 1930, Affinity Plus has 34 branches located throughout Minnesota and is owned by more than 270,000 members. Affinity Plus has more than $4.2 billion in assets. Additional information is available at or by calling (800) 322-7228. About Polar Plunge The Polar Plunge is a series of events where people jump into freezing cold water to support Special Olympics Minnesota. The first Polar Plunge took place at Como Lake in St. Paul in 1998. Since then, the Plunge has expanded to over 20 locations across Minnesota. Polar Plunge events are hosted in collaboration with The Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR), the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics in the world. About Special Olympics Minnesota Special Olympics Minnesota provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Affinity Plus to host Bemidji State Polar Plunge fundraiser April 14
Mar. 25—BEMIDJI — Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union is set to host a BSU Polar Plunge event to support Special Olympics Minnesota at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 14, at Bemidji State's John Glas Fieldhouse. "After an incredible response last year, this event is returning to give students, faculty, and community members another opportunity to take the plunge for a great cause," a release said. Affinity Plus is offering a promo code for each campus plunge this year, covering the first $25 of the $50 fundraising minimum for the first 100 participants to register with the code at each event. BSU participants can use code: AFFINITYPLUSBSU. "We are excited to continue bringing the Polar Plunge to these campuses and to see the enthusiasm and generosity from students and local communities," Monica Morris, branch manager at Affinity Plus, said in the release. "Every jump into the icy water represents a commitment to inclusion and empowerment for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and we're proud to be part of that." The Polar Plunge is a statewide movement raising funds to support Special Olympics Minnesota, which provides year-round athletic training, competitions, and leadership programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Since 2008, Affinity Plus has raised more than $800,000 for Special Olympics Minnesota, the release said. For more information on upcoming campus plunges and to register, visit
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bemidji State, Affinity Plus to host Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Minnesota in April
Mar. 3—BEMIDJI — The Polar Plunge, Minnesota's iconic fundraiser for Special Olympics Minnesota, is making a splash in Bemidji. Presented by Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, a long-time supporter of Special Olympics Minnesota, this event offers a unique opportunity to raise awareness and vital funds for athletes with intellectual disabilities. On Apr. 14, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., courageous individuals will take the plunge at Bemidji State, diving into a special "Plungster" pool for a refreshing — and slightly icy — moment. Every splash counts as proceeds directly benefit Special Olympics Minnesota, empowering athletes to train, compete and achieve their dreams. "We are excited to sponsor the first-ever Polar Plunge in Bemidji," Monica Morris, Affinity Plus Branch Manager in Bemidji, said in a release. "This event not only provides a fun and chilly challenge but also raises critical funds for a cause close to our hearts. We encourage everyone to join us in supporting Special Olympics Minnesota and making a difference in the lives of these incredible athletes." Affinity Plus has been supporting Special Olympics Minnesota since 2008. In that time, both the credit union and its employees have raised more than $700,000 for the charity. This year, Affinity Plus saw an opportunity to leverage its partnership with Bemidji State to bring the Polar Plunge to a new community, expanding access to this unique and fun event. "Bringing the Polar Plunge to Bemidji State University is an excellent opportunity," BSU athletic director Britt Lauritsen said in a release. "It's an amazing opportunity for our students, faculty, staff and the entire community to come together, embrace a chilly challenge and raise crucial funds for Special Olympics Minnesota. We are thrilled to be a part of this inclusive event and celebrate the incredible spirit of these athletes." The entire community is welcome and encouraged to take the Polar Plunge. Register today here . Based in St. Paul, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, financial cooperative that puts people first above profits. Members of Affinity Plus receive maximum value through competitive rates, minimal fees and unique, member-centric products and programs. Established in 1930, Affinity Plus has 31 branches located throughout Minnesota and is owned by more than 260,000 members. Affinity Plus has more than $4 billion in assets. Additional information is available at or by calling (800) 322-7228.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Reader thinks polar plunge looks like certain death
Feb. 23—Dear Answer Man: Once again, folks flocked to Foster-Arend Park to jump in the cold water and raise money. And once again, I'm surprised they aren't turning into ice cubes in the water. How do people not die of hypothermia, shock or extreme frostbite doing this? — Staying Warm. Dear Warm, I'm assuming you've never taken the plunge, so to speak. Well, Answer Man is with you. I complain if someone has used up most of the hot water when I get in the shower. Still, plenty of people do dunk themselves into icy Upper Midwest waters every year for fundraisers — such as the annual Polar Plunge at Foster-Arend Park — and for fun, and they seem to live to tell the frigid tale. "Knock wood, we've never had a medical emergency other than the occasional person who falls and scrapes a knee or gets a bump," says Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson, who knows a thing or two about jumping into cold lakes. Torgerson, a supporter of the Minnesota Special Olympics, has been taking the plunge for more than two decades in an effort to raise money for the games. The sheriff said it's basically all about mindset over matter. "Yep, it's going to be cold, but generally — and this is hard for some people to believe — it's no different when it's an 80-degree summer day at Foster Arend — or your favorite lake up north — and the water temperature might be 65 or 70 degrees," Torgerson said. "That first dip is a little chilly until you adapt." Take this year, for example, he said. The air temperature was somewhere in the low 20s, but the water — since it's not frozen — is likely above 32 degrees. "Usually, it's between 33 and 36 degrees," Torgerson said. "So, it's warmer in the water." The key is afterwards to warm up quickly. At the Polar Plunge, there are warming tents set to a balmy 80 degrees. The trick is to get inside quickly and avoid the wind. "The other key is the costume or clothing someone wears," he said. "It is colder, in my opinion, with more clothing on. Less is more!" Wind and cold air can freeze that water in your clothes, he said. To combat this, some people wear a moisture-wicking material that might draw the water away from your skin, which can help. "Believe it or not, swimsuits really are the best," he said. As for those Special Olympics, if you didn't jump in the cold lake but still want to support a worthy program, Torgerson said, "We are still raising funds this year with matching money from companies and friends, but we hope to reach close to $280,000 this year." The Feb. 8 event at Foster-Arend park thus far has generated $279,930 from 923 plungers. Currently, across the state, Polar Plunge events have seen more than 16,000 plungers generate more than $3.5 million for Special Olympics Minnesota, according to the Polar Plunge website, (Click "Donate" in the upper right-hand corner and select the Feb. 8 Rochester Plunge.) All that cold, hard cash, all those brave plungers; those are numbers that should warm anyone's heart. Send questions to Answer Man at answerman@ .
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
MN Gov. Tim Walz takes the Polar Plunge
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz took the Polar Plunge to support Special Olympics Minnesota. FOX 9's Ian Leonard joined him in Prior Lake.
