Press release
ComEd Coolers Went Back to the Beach for Special Olympics Chicago/Special Children's Charities Polar Plunge
ComEd employees have raised over $1.5 million to support Special Olympians over last 12 years CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Over 320 ComEd employees, friends
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[{"type":"text","content":"\nComEd employees have raised over $1.5 million to support Special Olympians over last 12 years\n\n CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--\nOver 320 ComEd employees, friends and family members returned to Chicago’s North Avenue Beach yesterday for the annual Chicago Polar Plunge presented by Special Olympics Chicago/Special Children’s Charities (SOC/SCC). For more than a decade, ComEd Coolers have raised funds and plunged into Lake Michigan to support thousands of athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities across Chicago.\n\nAs part of the company’s “ComEd Coolers” team, ComEd employees have raised more than $198,000, and are on track to raise more than $200,000, for the 2023 Polar Plunge. Since ComEd started participating in the Polar Plunge in 2011, nearly 5,000 employees have raised more than $1.5 million to support this important cause.\n\n“The ComEd Coolers continue to be one of our largest and highest fundraising teams year after year,” said Ray Barker, President, Special Olympics Chicago/Special Children’s Charities. “We are thankful for ComEd’s continuous support and dedication to the thousands of athletes that our programs serve, all of whom reside in the city of Chicago. It is through the support of companies such as ComEd, that we are able to offer year-round programming, events and life-changing experiences to our athletes.”\n\nNow in its 23rd year, the Chicago Polar Plunge supports year-round sports competitions and recreational activities for children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. SOC/SCC supports 17 athletic programs at 23 Chicago Park District locations and over 150 Chicago Public Schools.\n\n“At ComEd, we understand the importance of fostering inclusive environments where people feel valued and empowered,” said Gil Quiniones ComEd CEO. “I am proud that our employees show up year after year to support Special Olympics Chicago athletes. Taking the plunge for the first time alongside dedicated employees, friends and families was an incredible experience.”\n\nLinda Givand Rhodes, senior manager of customer assistance and advocacy at ComEd, plunged into Lake Michigan for the third time. Last year, Rhodes jumped into Lake Michigan by herself as the COVID-19 pandemic kept the ComEd Coolers at home. Rhodes’ love for sports and the camaraderie it creates amongst athletes is what inspires her ...