Greg Gerkens, a special education and science teacher in Wyandanch, New York, spent more than three years as an assistant principal at Eastern Suffolk High School in Centereach. Beyond his educational and administrative duties, Greg Gerkens engages in philanthropic activities such as taking the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics.
There are a variety of ways for people to support the Special Olympics. At www.specialolympics.org, donors can make direct contributions to the organization and learn about volunteering and raising awareness of the Special Olympics. Donations can be made in honor of a family member or loved one and can be set to recur every month. The Special Olympics also sponsors a number of annual events to raise money and awareness, including the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics.
In Massachusetts, the annual Polar Plunge is the Special Olympics’ single most successful fundraising event of the year. As the name implies, brave Special Olympics supporters plunge into cold waters during the winter months and are rewarded by sponsors honoring pledges and contributing to Special Olympics. Polar Plunge events often take place on or around New Year’s Day.
A number of Special Olympics chapters throughout the nation take part in the Polar Plunge campaign, including Special Olympics New York. Polar Plunge New York participants must contribute at least $100 to Special Olympics in order to participate. Donors can engage as individuals or as a Polar Plunge team. If you are inclined to take the plunge, learn everything you need to know by visiting www.polarplungeny.org.
