Dozens of Aramark employees took a plunge into icy water in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to raise awareness and money for the Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) Polar Plunge, an annual event that offers supporters an opportunity to raise money and build inclusive pathways for Special Olympics athletes.
Focused on inclusion and community of people regardless of ability or disability, Special Olympics is the world's largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and engage with the Special Olympics community.
Special Olympics is an impassioned cause for members of Aramark’s THRIVE employee resource group (ERG), which works to advance awareness of and inclusion for people with disabilities. Aramark’s 11 ERGs are open to all salaried employees.
“SOPA allows countless brave and fearless athletes to compete in their elected sport. Athletes like my daughter Lara, who has now taken the plunge the past eight years, continue to inspire me each day,” said Marc Bruno, Chief Operating Officer – U.S., Aramark, and Executive Sponsor of THRIVE. “As a parent, I’ve witnessed firsthand the life-changing friendships and leadership skills provided by Special Olympics.”
In Philadelphia, 13 Aramark team members took the plunge at Citizens Bank Park, raising over $20,000 through their individual fundraising efforts. In addition, over 30 THRIVE members and allies attended the event to cheer on the plungers.
Last March, THRIVE hosted teams from Philadelphia’s Furness and Olney High Schools for leadership and career exploration activities as part of SOPA’s Unified Champion Schools program, and a team from Strath Haven High School engaged in a friendly bocce tournament with THRIVE members at Aramark’s Philadelphia headquarters.
Pittsburgh Plungers
In addition to the SOPA Polar Plunge in Philadelphia this year, Aramark fielded a team in Pittsburgh. Eleven team members raised more than $2,800 for SOPA during the February 22nd event at Acrisure Stadium.
“I have a hereditary hearing loss and, growing up, I struggled in small intimate settings such as a classroom,” said Emily Arch, Senior Human Resources Manager, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, and THRIVE member who helped expand Aramark’s participation in Pittsburgh. “I eventually found that playing sports was where I was most happy and developed self-confidence in the fact that people now saw me for more than a disability. I see how sports can build confidence in a world where people don’t feel like they fit in sometimes.”
