Wal-Mart managers to 'chill out' for Special Olympics

[February 04, 2009]  Just the thought of jumping into central Illinois waters in mid-March can send a shiver up one's spine, but that is exactly what Wal-Mart managers will be doing come this year's Polar Plunge. The Lincoln Wal-Mart associates put up a challenge to the managers that if the associates raised $2,000 in pledges for the Polar Plunge, all 10 managers had to plunge into the chilly waters at the Lincoln Lakes private beach at noon on March 21.

The associates not only obtained more than the $2,000 in pledges, but have set a goal to try to raise $10,000 for the Special Olympics before the plunge by their management team into the iceberg-strewn waters of the Lincoln Lakes. Well, maybe that is an exaggeration, but it can be assumed that the waters will definitely be an eye-opener for participants.

There is still time for teams from businesses to get involved and have some community fun, all the while helping a great cause.  

To form a team, each team member has to raise $75 in pledges

The team divisions will be broken into two groups:

• Division I: Five to 15 team members.

• Division II: 16 or more.

The Special Olympics couldn't very well ask folks to run into the cold winter waters just for the heck of it, so they have arranged for their registered plungers to get in on some really nice gifts.

The prizes will be according to the amount the team received in pledges:

• $75-$249: You get to plunge in with scores of other zany folks, have all the associated bragging rights, a hoodie sweatshirt and post-plunge party meal. 

• $250-$499: You get everything above, plus a 12-pack convertible duffle cooler.

• $500-$999: Everything above, plus a Polar Plunge wind shirt (embroidered) and one entry into the grand prize drawing.

• $1,000-plus: Everything above, plus a Polar Plunge Columbia down vest (embroidered) and two entries into the grand prize drawing.

There are some great grand prizes for plungers to enjoy after they thaw out. 

For individuals:

• Apple Vacations trip to Cancun, Mexico.

• Dunkin' Donuts package: Four White Sox and four Bulls tickets along with a gift card and prize pack.

• Two tickets to "Late Show with Dave Letterman" in New York, plus airline tickets.

For teams:

• Division I (5-15 members)

• Famous Dave's barbecue blowout for 18 people.

• One 2009 Peoria Chiefs baseball rental suite for 20.

• Division II (16-plus members)

• Chicago Cubs rooftop party for 20.

• Wine party at Quartino's in Chicago for 30-plus people.

At the plunge, Special Olympics will be giving away awards for:

• Individual who raises the most money.

• Group that raises the most money.

• Best costume.

• Oldest plunger.

• Group that recruits the most plungers.

• Spirit.

• All kids ages 18 and under receive a gift bag.

Plus, at the Knights of Columbus post-plunge party there will be lots of door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, DJ, and great food and drinks, starting at 1 p.m. So just in case you can't take the shock of hitting cold waters, you can all keep warm and have a great time while supporting Special Olympics.

Here is a perfect time for all you employees to make a wager with your boss. Imagine the satisfaction of raising money for this great cause, plus see your boss have to "chill out" on March 21.

Be sure to sign up online at www.soill.org or stop by Action Rental and Sales for your registration packet today. The Polar Plunge logo on the front page of our publication will also direct you to more information. 

[Text from file received; LDN staff]