The Greene Turtle has its commitment to charitable efforts and community support down cold, and this past weekend, the company’s Corporate Field Trainer, Rachel Grant, went to extreme measures to prove it as she and a group of “Super Plungers” dove into the frigid waters of Chesapeake Bay every hour for 24 hours to raise money for Special Olympics Maryland. The fearless off-season swimmers were joined in their icy endeavors by numerous Special Olympics athletes as well.
Grant joined The Greene Turtle six years ago in its Dover, Delaware, franchise location and then moved on to her current role on the corporate team. Like all Super Plungers making the hourly descent into the drink, she raised more than $10K in sponsorships from friends and family in advance of the 24-hour challenge. Other team members, including president/CEO Geovannie Concepcion, will be joining her as she takes a cool dip again this Saturday at noon during the official Polar Plunge event.
“I was so excited to take the Super Plunge this year,” said Grant, who previously participated in two Polar Bear Plunges in Delaware and one in Maryland. “I wanted to support the great work that Special Olympics does year-round, ensuring that all athletes can complete in the sports they love. Initially when I expressed interest in doing the Super Plunge, I was concerned that I would not be able to meet the $10K donation goal, but The Greene Turtle’s corporate team encouraged me to try and helped me reach the goal. I’m so thankful for the support of my friends, family and Turtle family. This was an experience I will never forget and I will definitely be back next year!”
As part of this Saturday’s festivities, The Greene Turtle will host a VIP tent for any polar plungers or onlookers who donate a $275 access fee, the full amount of which will be donated to Special Olympics Maryland. The tent will serve up a satisfying selection of some of The Greene Turtle’s most popular menu items, including Maryland Crab Soup, Cream of Crab Soup, Caesar Salad, California Chicken Wrap, Crab Dip, Hog Hammers, Cajun Pasta, as well as Kettle Chips, coffee and tea. A bar serving Crushes, Bloody Mary’s, Mimosas and beer will also be open to those of legal age.
This is the fifth consecutive year in which The Greene Turtle has participated in the Polar Plunge. Last year, team members collectively raised more than $25K for Special Olympics Maryland through sponsorships. The money raised goes to support the more than 7,500 Special Olympic athletes who train and compete in sports year-round, at no cost.
“This is my first year taking the plunge,” says Concepcion, who was appointed president/CEO of The Greene Turtle last May. “I’m proud to be participating and especially proud of Rachel, our other Polar Team members and all Greene Turtle employees for their commitment to supporting those in need throughout all the communities we serve.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the long-standing support that we have received from The Greene Turtle,” adds Nate Garland, Chief Marketing and Development Officer, Special Olympics Maryland. “Much as our incredible athletes inspire awe through their drive and determination to overcome great challenges, the undying selflessness of our supporters also reflects fantastic persistence without which much of what we do would not be possible.”
News and information presented in this release has not been corroborated by WTWH Media LLC.
