Big Results for Special Olympics Minnesota
May 8, 2023
Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union (Affinity Plus) announced today that more than 2,300 Polar Plunge participants took advantage of the credit union’s charitable promotion offer to get a $50 donation toward their $75 fundraising minimum, simply by signing up using its custom promo code. Plungers that used the code AFFINITYPLUS at registration went on to collectively raise over $830,000 for Special Olympics Minnesota this year, surpassing its prior record of $785,000 raised by 2,200 plungers in 2022. As part of this promotion, Affinity Plus will make a direct donation to the organization for more than $115,000. All funds will go towards supporting year-round athletic and health-based programs, leadership and advocacy training, and inclusive school programs for people with intellectual disabilities across the state.
“As longtime supporters of Special Olympics Minnesota, we were so excited to celebrate the organization’s 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the iconic Polar Plunge event by helping thousands of plungers get a headstart on their fundraising efforts,” said Dave Larson, Affinity Plus CEO. “I’m equally proud of our employees all across the state for their commitment to this incredible cause!”
In addition to the kick start campaign, over 160 Affinity Plus employees joined in on the fun by taking the plunge in 13 Minnesota communities and raising more than $67,000 for Special Olympics Minnesota. The credit union also partnered with Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) to host the Moorhead community’s first ever Polar Plunge event.
“Affinity Plus is one of our most dedicated partners,” said Dave Dorn, Special Olympics Minnesota president and CEO. “By rallying communities across Minnesota to raise funds and take the plunge, Affinity Plus encourages an incredible level of support during our plunge season, which benefits Special Olympics athletes year round.”
Affinity Plus has supported Special Olympics Minnesota since 2008, prompting thousands of employees and community members to take the plunge. To date, the Minnesota-based credit union has contributed more than $650,000 to the cause. In 2023, Larson was re-elected for a second year to the position of board chair of Special Olympics Minnesota, and he has personally volunteered for the organization for more than 15 years.
About Affinity Plus
Based in St. Paul, Minn., Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, financial cooperative that puts people first above profits. Members of Affinity Plus receive maximum value through competitive rates, minimal fees, and unique, member-centric products and programs. Established in 1930, Affinity Plus has 30 branches located throughout Minnesota and is owned by over 250,000 members. Affinity Plus has more than $4 billion in assets. Additional information is available at www.affinityplus.org or by calling (800) 322-7228.