Despite their historic rivalry, Wawa CEO Chris Gheysens and Sheetz CEO Joe Sheetz have teamed up “in a show of unification” to take on the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Virtual Polar Pop challenge to raise money for the nonprofit. According to Sheetz, both companies will be donating $5,000 this month to support Special Olympics PA’s mission “to provide year-round sports training and 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 participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.”
“Now more than ever, it is critical we continue to support Special Olympics Pennsylvania, who trains, inspires and transforms the lives of nearly 20,000 athletes every year.”
Joe Sheetz, CEO of Sheetz
Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s Polar Plunges celebrate the brave souls who take the leap into frigid water in support of individuals with intellectual disabilities. With a goal of raising $500,000, the organization has taken its fundraiser virtual this year due to COVID-19, encouraging participants to pop a balloon filled with cold water over their heads and share the experience on social media.
To participate in the virtual event, which began on February 1st and will run through February 26, 2021, follow these three easy steps:
- Pledge Now: Register as a Virtual Plunger and donate to support Special Olympics Pennsylvania at www.PAPolarPop.org.
- Pop: Fill your water balloon with cold water, find a good spot to take a picture or video, and, after a 3, 2, 1 countdown, pop it over the participants head!
- Promote: Now that you are #FreezinForAReason, share your pop picture or video on social media with the #PAPolarPop hashtag, encourage 5 friends to donate, and complete the Polar Pop challenge.
Matt Aaron, CEO and President of Special Olympics Pennsylvania, said both chains have been longtime supporters of the nonprofit’s mission, offering monetary and volunteer support throughout the years. “We are truly grateful for their support of Special Olympics and their dedication to inclusion,” Aaron said.
About the Polar Plunge
The Philadelphia Polar Plunge is Special Olympics PA — Philadelphia’s largest event. The Philly Plunge raises funds that fuel year-round sports programs for Special Olympics athletes throughout the City of Brotherly Love. Special Olympics is the world’s largest movement dedicated to promoting respect, acceptance, and human dignity for people with intellectual disabilities. To learn more and register, go to www.PAPolarPop.org.
Information provided by The Philadelphia Inquirer.