FISHKILL — Southern Region activists were freezin’ for a reason Feb. 24 when they plunged into the chilly waters of Fishkill Creek to raise money for Special Olympics New York.
Over 25 CSEA members and friends took part in the annual Fishkill Polar Plunge, the primary fundraiser that allows individuals with disabilities in the Hudson Valley to participate in Special Olympics’ confidence-boosting athletic events. The plunge took place at Camp Mariah, a Fresh Air Fund summer camp originally funded by pop singer Mariah Carey.
Our CSEA team included a mix of veteran and first-time plunge participants. The team’s top fundraiser, Town of Wallkill Unit member Kim Lesczynski, was a first time Polar Plunge participant who collected more than 4750 in donations from co-workers, family and friends.
An avid runner, Lesczynski also recently ran a marathon as a fundraiser for another CSEA member whose grandson is suffering from a rare form of pediatric cancer. Town of Wallkill Unit member Kathy Rodriguez recruited her to join our CSEA team and help Special Olympics.
Donations were still being processed as this edition went to press, but our CSEA team has raised $3,161 and counting via this plunge.
