Monroe County – On February 9, the 20th annual Rochester Polar Plunge was held at Ontario Beach Park to raise necessary funds for Special Olympics New York athletes in the Genesee Region. Once again, CSEA Western Region was a featured sponsor at the event.
Minutes before the plunge, CSEA Western Region President Bob Pyjas, along with CSEA Rochester Polar Plunge Committee Chair Renee Jackson, presented a check to Special Olympics New York President Stacey Hengsterman in the amount of $8,647.00.
Pyjas told the crowd of more than 1,800 participants cheering under the big tent,
“On behalf of the 46 thousand members of CSEA Western Region, thank you to the staff and volunteers of the Special Olympics New York who have made the Rochester Polar Plunge an annual signature event for our community.
Hello, my name is Bob Pyjas and I am the CSEA Western Region President. Next to me, is Renee Jackson, who served as our Polar Plunge Committee Chair for 2020.
In 2020, CSEA Western Region members donated more than $8,647.00 for the Special Olympics NY.
At this time, Renee and I would like to make a special check presentation to the Special Olympics New York in the amount of 8,647.00 dollars. Chances are our totals for this year will continue to increase because we are still taking donations!
Again, on behalf of all the members of CSEA, we truly honor our shared values with Special Olympics New York and we look forward to a long and prosperous partnership in the years to come.”
Pyjas also presented the Florence Flo Tripi Rochester Polar Plunge Top Donor Award at the pre-plunge ceremony.
“The Rochester Polar Plunge is one of our largest single-event fundraisers of the year, thanks to thousands of local participants and supporters in the Greater Rochester community,” said Hengsterman. She added, “We are looking forward to a record turnout again this year as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of this event and the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics New York.”
Melissa Gue
Another highlight at the event was a special proclamation award given to CSEA member Melissa Gue, who has volunteered with the Special Olympics New York for 20 years. Gue is a Secretary 1 employed by Monroe Community College in the office of Student Life and Leadership. Gue is an active member of CSEA Monroe County Local 828.
-Ove Overmyer
