Featured Team - Local 486

Special Olympics Maryland and Local 486...A Perfect Fit!

At the 2008 MSP Polar Bear Plunge, Local 486 Plumbers and Steamfitters Union out of Baltimore was represented by 10 Union workers. They set a conservative goal, but with very little effort, raised $12,500 for SOMD. What’s better is that those 10 members had something of an “A-ha Moment” when they realized that they had stumbled upon the perfect partnership to take back to their Union brothers.

They couldn’t have been more right!

In just one year’s time, Union 486 went from a small but enthusiastic team of 10 men to Presenting Sponsor of the MSP Polar Bear Plunge. Their fundraising goal is $75,000 and their team has grown to over 100 members. And if they could be described as enthusiastic last year, this year they are bursting with excitement and pride over their part in the overall Plunge experience. In fact, they have designed and are currently making the unique Plunge awards that will be presented to the event’s top fundraisers and sponsors this year.

None of this comes as any surprise to event organizers though. “During the election we had ‘Joe the Plumber’; well, now we are proud to say we have ‘Joe the Plunger’ times 100!” said Melissa Tracy, liaison to the teams from SOMD. “They really represent what is best about this event, because our success has been built by the collective efforts of literally thousands upon thousands of everyday Joes in the community. This relationship with Local 486 is a great point of pride to us, and certainly to all of the athletes are Maryland who are reaping the benefits of their support.”

As with so many teams and individuals who get behind the Plunge so passionately, there is a connection to a man, woman or child with an intellectual disability. And Local 486 is no exception. Jamie Scheel, teacher at Local 486’s school has a daughter Ellen who is eligible for participation in Special Olympics Maryland and she has become the lightning rod for this team’s energy.

“We started this event to help a good cause and have some fun,” said Dan Todd, Local 486’s Team Captain. Then when we met Ellen it just sealed the deal. Last year was a blast, but this year, as a Presenting Sponsor we’re looking to do even more to help Special Olympics MD. It’s a real honor to be able to point to this experience and say without a doubt that we made a difference for these athletes.”

Click here to support Team Local 468!

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