MOM Brands Announces Donation Challenge to Benefit Special Olympics Minnesota

All Polar Bear Plunge donations will be matched up to $30,000

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MOM Brands^® today announced a challenge to Minnesotans throughout the state to donate to Special Olympics Minnesota over the next six weeks. The company will donate $1 for every Polar Bear Plunge^® donation made at http://plungemn.com, up to $30,000. Starting Feb. 1, people who donate will also be able to download a coupon for $1 off two boxes of Better Oats^® instant oatmeal.

“What better way to support a great cause than to jump in an icy lake in the throws of winter”

The Polar Bear Plunge offers a fun and creative way for individuals, organizations and businesses to support Special Olympics Minnesota. Participants raise a minimum of $75 in order “plunge” into the icy, frigid water at one of this year’s 16 Minnesota events. All donations collected during annual Polar Bear Plunge events benefit Special Olympics Minnesota. MOM Brands is also organizing a team of its own employees to jump into Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis on March 2.

“What better way to support a great cause than to jump in an icy lake in the throws of winter,” said Linda Fisher, director of corporate communications for MOM Brands. “The Polar Bear Plunge is Special Olympics Minnesota’s biggest fundraising event. The proceeds raised through the Polar Plunge support programs that make such a big difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities in Minnesota. This is the sixth year for the MOM Brands partnership that includes not only financial support, but also a sizable group of intrepid employees who brave the plunge.”

Special Olympics Minnesota hosts Polar Bear Plunges throughout the state, and people are encouraged to donate or participate in the following cities:

Jan. 26 – White Bear Lake, Willmar/Spicer
Feb. 2 – Maple Grove, St. Peter
Feb. 9 – Anoka Co., Rochester
Feb. 16 – Prior Lake, St. Cloud, Duluth
Feb. 23 – South Metro
Feb. 24 – Alexandria
March 2 – Minneapolis, Brainerd
March 9 – Eden Prairie, Mille Lacs
March 16 – Grand Rapids

“Our partners are crucial to the success of our mission at Special Olympics, and we are so pleased to partner with MOM Brands for another year,” said Bill Fish, Executive Vice President of Development for Special Olympics Minnesota. “Our Polar Bear Plunge events are a lot of fun and are a great way to support Special Olympics athletes. Donations from the events help us continue our great work throughout the year.”

About MOM Brands

MOM Brands is the largest family owned cereal company in the U.S. The company has produced quality cereal products since 1919 and manufactures many varieties of oatmeal, family favorite ready-to-eat and natural cereals as well as its original, farina-based hot cereal. Today, one in 10 servings of breakfast cereal eaten every day is a MOM Brands cereal. Dedicated to finding better ways to make a better breakfast at a better price, MOM Brands is continually innovating to produce, package and transport its cereals in ways that reduce environmental impact. For more information about MOM Brands and its cereal products please visit www.MOMBrands.com.

About Special Olympics Minnesota

Special Olympics Minnesota offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round sports training and competition. Through Special Olympics’ athletic, health and leadership programs, people with intellectual disabilities transform themselves, their communities and the world. The first Polar Bear Plunge took place at Como Lake in St. Paul. Since then, the Plunge has expanded to 16 locations across Minnesota, growing exponentially more successful each year. Polar Bear Plunge events are organized by Minnesota law enforcement as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR), the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics in the world. In 2012, the LETR raised $3.1 million to benefit Special Olympics Minnesota.