FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2018
FOR DOC: DOC Communications, 608-240-5060, [email protected]
FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Nicci Sprangers, 920-731-1614, [email protected]
MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) and Special Olympics Wisconsin today announced that teams from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections participating in the 2018 Polar Plunge raised more than $38,000 to benefit Special Olympics athletes in Wisconsin.
The top team, which included 16 employees from Redgranite Correctional Institution, raised more than $10,000, and the second place team, from Waupun Correctional Institution, raised more than $6,500. Other participating teams were from Fox Lake Correctional Institution, Dodge Correctional Institution, Oshkosh Correctional Institution, Columbia Correctional Institution, DOC headquarters, and Oakhill Correctional Institution.
The Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Wisconsin took place in 12 locations across the state from February 3rd to March 3rd, with more than 5,000 people participating. Five of the DOC teams plunged into the freezing waters of Lake Winnebago on February 16th during the Oshkosh Law Enforcement & Corrections Plunge. The Polar Plunge included a Law Enforcement Challenge, which comprises law enforcement and corrections agencies from across Wisconsin. In 2018 alone, 46 teams across the state participating in the Law Enforcement Challenge raised more than $110,000.
“Department of Corrections employees are deeply involved in the communities where they live,” said DOC Secretary Jon Litscher. “I’m thankful to our staff for their investment of time and energy to support a great cause like the Special Olympics. We look forward to building on this year’s success and continuing to provide support to community organizations.”
“Special Olympics Wisconsin is so appreciative of the incredible fundraising efforts of Redgranite Correctional Institution during the Law Enforcement Challenge of the Polar Plunge. The Department of Corrections and their institutions are such a critical component of our mission and our relationship with law enforcement agencies,” said Kathleen Roach, President/CEO of Special Olympics Wisconsin. “Redgranite’s fundraising success and enthusiasm for Special Olympics athletes is a perfect example of that. The $10,000 they raised through the Challenge will really go a long way toward helping athletes achieve their dreams both on and off the field.”
