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For the last 5 years Minnetonka Rotary Members have been braving the freezing cold temps and lake water to raise money for Special Olympics Minnesota.
Each year the number of Minnetonka Rotarians, friends and family jumping grows, along with the donations. This year 11 jumpers were involved, including two from Edina Rotaract Club. Donations for the last five years topped over $25,000.
Donations:
2018 - $1735;
2019 - $2687;
2020 - $4647;
2021 - $6915; and
2022 - $9400.
Donations come from friends, family members, fellow Rotarians, and our generous corporate sponsors:
Cathy Carlson from Restwell Mattress Factory,
Chris Carr from Guaranteed Rate Mortgage &
2018 - $1735;
2019 - $2687;
2020 - $4647;
2021 - $6915; and
2022 - $9400.
Donations come from friends, family members, fellow Rotarians, and our generous corporate sponsors:
Cathy Carlson from Restwell Mattress Factory,
Chris Carr from Guaranteed Rate Mortgage &
Jerald Stiele from Hopkins Auto Body 1 & Collision Center 1.
Each donor has a special reason why they choose to support the jumps “I spent several years in the classroom and on the administrative management team at St. David’s Center. I saw the importance for the children with special needs and their parents to have opportunities that are open to all young children. Special Olympics does just that.” Char Murphy, donor and jumper. Char’s two granddaughters have also jumpped.
Each donor has a special reason why they choose to support the jumps “I spent several years in the classroom and on the administrative management team at St. David’s Center. I saw the importance for the children with special needs and their parents to have opportunities that are open to all young children. Special Olympics does just that.” Char Murphy, donor and jumper. Char’s two granddaughters have also jumpped.
Minnetonka Rotarian Jerald Steile organizes the Minnetonka Rotary Plungers because he wanted to share his experience with Special Olympics “I jump to support these courageous athletes of Special Olympics of MN. In college, we had a class were we were required to do volunteer work for the entire semester. I chose to coach the Special Olympic Track Team in Fargo. I had no idea what I was in for! The enthusiasm and passion in these athletes was amazing. Participating in Special Olympics brought incredible joy to everyone involved!" 2 of Stiele’s children Cameron and Vanessa have joined him on several of the jumps.
Prior to each jump Minnetonka Rotary Plungers and supporter meet at a local bar and restaurant for a “safety meeting” where they prepare themselves for the cold jump ahead. It is time to be together in fellowship with friends and to say thank you to all who have donated and come to cheer on the jumpers.
Minnetonka Rotary’s mission is “Building Responsible Youth” and does this through the Minnetonka Rotary Foundation and supporting local organization in our communities such as Special Olympics. Minnetonka Rotary Club are people of action. We are friends rooted in service and friendship dedicated to changing lives through our Club’s work. Everyone is welcome to join us at our weekly meetings – Wednesdays 7:15am at Eisenhower Community Center. Check us out on Facebook or on our website www.minnetonkarotary.org.
Minnetonka Rotary is part of Rotary International with over 3.5 million rotary members who improve lives and bring positive, lasting change to communities around the world by promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, supporting education, saving mothers and children, and growing local economies.
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CONTACT: Alexa Rundquist, Minnetonka Rotarian, alexa@rotary5950.org , 701-260-6314