February 2019

A link below provides the webinar version of the 2019 Partnership Summit that was canceled due to weather.  We are sending this to Ambassadors and Knights across Indiana with the hope that all Councils will have the chance to get this information regarding our 50 years of partnership to impact children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Thank you for your time, whether you skim the webinar or watch the entire thing or just forward this on to the Councils in your District!

We tried to take the planned 2 hour meeting and abbreviate it as much as possible, but please be warned the webinar ended up 40 minutes in length because this is a historical moment in history that we don’t want you to miss! This webinar highlights our partnership, the 50^th Anniversary of Special Olympics Indiana, some wonderful history from our President and CEO and how you, your Council, your District and your parish can be part of this historic moment in time to impact over 16,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in Indiana.

As always the partnership with the Knights of Columbus is so important to the athletes of Special Olympics Indiana and we are so happy to share this information with you! I hope you enjoy and feel inspired by what you do for the athletes.

My sincere thank you for your support and for the opportunity to be your liaison throughout the year and especially this important year!  Please let me know if you have questions.

Here is the link to view the webinar:  https://fccdl.in/vSRTXio2Pn

Celebrating the 50^th Anniversary

Attached you will find the Knights of Columbus pin program that will be the means by which Knights can celebrate the 50^th Anniversary! We’ve created the opportunity for Knights of Columbus members to show their support for this exciting anniversary and the 16,000 athletes of Special Olympics Indiana by making a minimum donation of $10 to receive a collectors 50^th Anniversary Partnership Pin! 

You can click the links to find the ORDER FORM and a LOG FORM for your use, to track the orders. Knights, family members and church members are welcome to make a donation to receive this pin. Please take orders in February to send in to our office. You can submit your form via e-mail, followed up with your Council’s donation in the mail or mail in the entire order with the donation. We will collect the orders in March and your pins will be ready for your pick up at the State Convention in May.

This is a quick turnaround, because we want you to have the most opportunity to wear your pins throughout the 50^th Anniversary of Special Olympics Indiana!

Thank you!

Stephanie Manner

Manager of Community Partnerships (LETR)

Office: (317) 713.4291

Fax: (317) 328-2018

6200 Technology Center Drive, Suite 105

Indianapolis, IN 46278

Special Olympics Indiana is a not-for-profit organization that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in more than 20 Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, reaching more than 16,000 athletes across Indiana. Special Olympics Indiana is part of the international network of accredited Special Olympics Programs that reaches nearly 4 million athletes with intellectual disabilities worldwide.

Dear Brother Knights,

Celebrating 50 Years of Changing Lives: Special Olympics Indiana’s Annual Polar Plunge Takes on Added Meaning   Thousands expected to participate in signature fundraiser with a goal of raising more than $1 million to sustain the organization’s rapid growth and to support 50th anniversary initiatives. There are a lot of ways to raise money for charitable causes, but taking the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Indiana might be the single most exciting. Hearts pumping and extremities freezing, thousands of supporters of all ages have felt the rush of making a difference by making a cold-weather splash in the name of raising money to support year-round programs and events for people with intellectual disabilities. There are costumes, music, and food. "Freezin’ for a Reason," as the motto goes, is more fun than it looks. But like all Special Olympics events, the Polar Plunge is about much more than fun: it’s about inclusion, equality, and empowerment. As the organization’s signature fundraiser for the last 20 years, this annual tradition has played a vital role in ensuring that an ever-growing number of children and adults with intellectual disabilities can continue to benefit from no-cost participation in life-changing sports, health, education, and leadership programs. A total of 18 Polar Plunge events are scheduled for February and March in cities and on college campuses across Indiana. Plunge sites include: Boonville, Borden, Bloomington, Fort Wayne, Greenwood, Indianapolis (Butler University and Eagle Creek Park), Kokomo, Liberty, Muncie, Petersburg, South Bend, Terre Haute, Valparaiso, Versailles, Warsaw, and West Lafayette. View the 2019 Polar Plunge Calendar. Celebrating 50 years of changing lives in 2019 and now serving more than 16,000 people across the state each year, Special Olympics Indiana is aiming to raise at least $1 million through the 2019 Polar Plunge season for the first time in its history. All funds raised will directly benefit current and future Special Olympics athletes.To learn more about the 50th anniversary Polar Plunge or to register or make a contribution in support of a participating individual or team, visit www.PolarPlungeIN.org. Each Polar Plunge event has its own unique personality, with additional activities ranging from costume contests to 5K fundraising races and the always popular “After Splash Bash” — a celebration following each event where participants are recognized and presented with awards. The majority of Polar Plunge participants register as part of a team, often representing a business, school, family, fraternity/sorority, church group, or sports team. Teams of 10 or more are eligible for team awards. All individuals who raise at least $75 are rewarded with an official Polar Plunge long-sleeved t-shirt. Other prizes this year will include branded towels, Sherpa blankets, insulated tumblers, hoodies, and jackets, each awarded at a certain fundraising level. View all 2019 Polar Plunge Prizes. Polar Plunge events will be held on six Indiana campuses in 2019, including Purdue, IU, Butler, Indiana State, Ball State, and Valparaiso. All campus events are open to members of the community as well. Committees made up of students and volunteers at each school lead the charge to host the best campus event, with the top fundraising school earning the right to keep a traveling trophy at the end of each Polar Plunge season. Those who are unable or unwilling to participate in the Polar Plunge are encouraged to fundraise as “Virtual Plungers” or to donate on behalf of a participating individual or team. Volunteers are also needed to organize and staff each event. Individuals who go above and beyond in their efforts to support the Polar Plunge by raising a minimum of $4,000 are eligible to be recognized as “Super Plungers.” Fifteen individuals earned this distinction in 2018. Corporate and civic leaders, public figures, and others in positions of authority are invited to be a part of the Executive Challenge, with each raising or contributing a minimum of $5,000 before taking the Polar Plunge in Indianapolis. Those interested may contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information. The Polar Plunge is presented by the Law Enforcement Torch Run® to benefit Special Olympics Indiana. Companies and other organizations can support the Polar Plunge through corporate sponsorships or employee matching programs. Gold level sponsors of the 2019 Polar Plunge include Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana and Duke Energy. LEARN MORE OR REGISTER VIEW CALENDAR

Brett Striegel
Vivat Jesus!

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317-796-4113 Cell/Text