Late last month, team members from The Greene Turtle’s corporate offices in Columbia, Maryland, as well as some of its corporately owned restaurants, literally dove into the company’s commitment to charitable outreach when they took part in a “Polar Plunge” benefitting Special Olympics Maryland (SOMD). Fourteen brave souls from The Greene Turtle, including President/CEO Bob Barry, donned bathing suits and jumped into the Chesapeake Bay amid the cheers of many assembled supporters.
This was the fourth year in a row in which The Greene Turtle participated in the Polar Plunge. Through this year’s efforts, the company was able to donate more than $25,000 to Special Olympics Maryland in support of more than 7,500 athletes who train and compete in sports year round, at no cost. To date, the company has raised well over $150K for the cause.
Fans who stopped by to cheer on the company’s plungers were treated to some of The Greene Turtle’s most famous menu items, including Crab Dip, Hog Hammers, Apple Pecan Salad, Turkey Club Sandwiches and Chicken Caesar Wraps. The bar was open as well to those of legal age, and served up Bloody Mary’s, Mimosas, Orange Crushes and Rum & Cola. The Greene Turtle also raised money by hosting a “VIP Hospitality Tent” for which guests donated a $275 access fee.
President/CEO Bob Barry thanked those who came out to cheer on the “plungers” and those who donated in support of his team, noting, “This will not only encourage me to plunge into the 34-degree Chesapeake Bay, but will also allow SOMD to continue to offer sports competition and training to athletes around the state at no cost. SOMD is a great organization and all of us at The Greene Turtle are thrilled to be able to do our part to help create a world where opportunity is not limited by disability.”
The Greene Turtle has a long-standing tradition of supporting the communities its restaurants serve and charitable organizations around the globe. Through programs including Funds for Friends, Tips for Tots, discounts for members of the military and support for organizations including Special Olympics Maryland, the USO and the Sea Turtle Conservancy, it maintains a continuous practice of giving back and striving to make the world a better place.