VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Eleven associates from GEICO’s Virginia Beach office took the plunge and contributed $25,000 during this year’s Polar Plunge, an event hosted by Special Olympics Virginia, of which GEICO is a longtime sponsor.
The Polar Plunge Festival is an annual fundraising drive for the Special Olympics held in February. Plungers take an icy dip in the name of charity braving the cold. The funds raised at the event provide not only year-round sports training and competition but help with leadership opportunities and health services to more than 21,000 athletes.
Diego Dominguez, GEICO’s Polar Plunge chairperson, said, “I feel very proud and grateful to be part of the Special Olympics community. There is no better feeling than supporting a cause that focuses on the idea that every human being deserves respect and encouragement.”
Susan Jones, a GEICO Rehabilitation Specialist, called it an honor to participate in Special Olympic events like the Polar Plunge. ”Throughout my years of volunteering for Special Olympics, I have witnessed not only the health benefits but also the emotional benefits the athletes gain from participating in something that allows them to feel a sense of accomplishment, a sense of belonging,” she said.
GEICO’s connection to Special Olympics Virginia will become even stronger in June when GEICO Assistant Vice President of Claims Matt Mitchell will become chair of the organization’s board.
“I want to thank all the GEICO associates who have and will continue to support and volunteer for the Special Olympics Virginia,” said Mitchell, who has been a Special Olympics volunteer for 20 years. “I am looking forward to all the great things to come.”
