Polar Plunge

Taking The Plunge
Some people might call it courageous. Some people might call it daring. A lot of people might call it downright insane. Whatever people call it, one thing is clear; the Polar Plunge is a unique challenge that encourages people to move beyond their comfort zone in the spirit of philanthropy.

The Polar Plunge, taking place in five locations in Oregon this winter, is a fundraiser for Special Olympics Oregon. The money raised from this event ensures that the Special Olympics can continue to provide year-round sports and athletic opportunities to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The website states their mission is to “Give our participants continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other athletes, and the community.”

Tyler Wright has worked for Care Medical Source, a locally-owned eCommerce home medical equipment company that focused
on custom wheelchairs, for 20 years and decided to take the plunge because he believes this is a cause well worth supporting.

“At Care Medical Source, our goal is to help our customers ‘live without limits’ by providing them with quality medical equipment to increase their mobility and independence,” Wright said.

He feels that the goals of Care Medical Source and the Special Olympics work in tandem with each other, and that supporting such shared goals through the Polar Plunge is an excellent way to be involved.

“The Special Olympics promotes the same ‘live without limits’ philosophy for the intellectually disabled by providing them with the opportunity to compete in sporting events with their peers. We want all people, regardless of their disability, to live life to the fullest. The Polar Plunge is a fun way for people to get together to help raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics,” Wright said.

Although Wright has participated in fundraising walks and other philanthropic events before, he is new to the Polar Plunge.

“I have never done anything as crazy…I mean as unique…as jumping into the ice-cold water of the Columbia River. I am actually a reserved type of person so a lot of my friends, long-time customers, and especially my staff were surprised I was going to ‘take the plunge’ this year,” Wright said.

Those who dare to participate in the Portland Polar Plunge are agreeing to jump into the ice-cold Columbia River on February 11th to raise money and show support for Special Olympics Oregon. Participants must raise a minimum of $50, but most raise much more.

The Incredible Super Plungers
Last year, the Special Olympics Oregon started a team of Super Plungers. Who are these Super Plungers? This motley crew is a group of brave, daring, and possibly crazy individuals who go above and beyond – plunging into the Columbia River every hour for 24 hours. Jeremy Myrland, a Portland native and OSU graduate, saw an advertisement for the event and signed up because “jumping into the river 24 times over 24 hours in the winter seemed so crazy that I wanted to try it out,” he said. Although Myrland has no familial connection to the Special Olympics, he thinks “It is an amazing organization and I love helping them out.”

Last year, Myrland raised $5,000. This year, he set a goal for himself of $10,000. As of January 30, Myrland had raised $9,800 for the cause. Myrland is the international product manager at Viewpoint Construction Software, and Viewpoint has agreed to match all donations from other employees. So far that total is $2,655.

“Everyone who works with Special Olympics is selfless and truly cares about helping and enriching the athletes.”
Next year he hopes to set a goal to be the top fundraiser in the country.

Cathy Gidley, who has been involved with Special Olympics Oregon for six years, is also signing up for her second year as a Super Plunger. All Super Plungers this year are required to raise a minimum of $3,000.

“People ask me all the time why I would do that to myself. I do it because it is a challenge, it’s fun, it’s an accomplishment, and as always, it reminds me of our athletes and the fact that they do things that are hard for them every day,” Gidley said. “A once-a-year sacrifice to my comfort is the least I can do for the athletes of Special Olympics.”

Building Community:
Wright has been doing business with some of his Care Medical Source customers for more than 15 years and hopes that taking the plunge will help him to further strengthen the relationships with his long-standing customers.

Even though Care Medical Source provides products to people all over the United States and internationally, they are headquartered right here in Portland.
“This is where our homes and families are, so it is important that we support our community and the local chapters of organizations such as the Special Olympics,” Wright said.

Tyler has other goals besides building community.
“Beyond not developing hypothermia, my goal is to raise as much money as I can for the Special Olympics and to raise awareness for the ‘live without limits’ philosophy for all people with disabilities,” he said.

“Make sure you ‘like” Care Medical Source on Facebook. For every ‘like’ we get, we will donate $1.00 to the Special Olympics.”

Wright hopes that even those who don’t sign up to take the Plunge will be inspired to help, donate, or get involved in the community in some way.

“Whether it be the Polar Plunge or any fundraising event for an organization that helps support people with disabilities, it is important to show your support,” Wright said. “These organizations need our help to fund their programs, research efforts, and raise awareness.”

The event is open to the public, and all spectators are welcome free of charge. Come support Tyler and all the other plungers at 11 a.m. on February 11 at Broughton Beach.

Help Tyler, Jeremy, Cathy and all the Plungers support the Special Olympics and donate in their names. For more information visit the Polar Plunge website.