City Raises Over $30,000 to Support Special Olympics

Everett community jumped into the frigid pool to raise funds for Special Olympics Massachusetts

Special to The Advocate

The Everett Police Department, in collaboration with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and the City of Everett, hosted the third annual Polar Plunge event on Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Everett Recreation Center, and raised $30,100 to help support Special Olympics Massachusetts.

The Polar Plunge is a fund-raising initiative put forth by the Special Olympics Massachusetts where participants brave the cold and take the plunge into a frigid pool to support more than 14,000 athletes of all abilities in sports training and competitions that the organization offers year-round.

The event was a collaborative effort between the Everett Police Department, Law Enforcement Torch Run, and the City of Everett. Event organizer and Everett Police Lieutenant Lawrence Jedrey, while speaking to attendees, announced that participants raised $30,100 – a new record amount for this event – to benefit Special Olympics Massachusetts and the work that they do.

“This support for the Special Olympics is important because it helps individuals who serve as an inspiration to all of us that no matter the obstacles we face, we all are capable of living healthier lives, creating a sense of inclusion in our community, and achieving our goals,” said Mayor Carlo DeMaria. “Today’s event is yet another way in which the members of the Everett Police Department affirm their commitment to our community by finding ways to give back. I’d like to thank everyone for all their efforts to support this great cause.”

This year’s plungers included Everett residents, Everett police and fire personnel, members of local organizations, along with recruits from the Lynnfield police academy and neighboring police departments.