Aramark Employees Brave the Polar Plunge to Support Special Olympics
Dozens of Aramark Employees braved the icy waters in both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, taking the plunge in support of the Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) Polar Plunge. This annual fundraising event provides an opportunity for supporters to contribute to the cause while helping to create inclusive opportunities for Special Olympics athletes. The event, which draws participants from various backgrounds, is a significant initiative aimed at promoting awareness and funding for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organization dedicated to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, offering them year-round sports training and athletic competitions in a variety of Olympic-style events. The mission of Special Olympics extends beyond sports; it seeks to provide individuals with intellectual disabilities opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and foster friendships within an accepting community. By encouraging participation in sports, Special Olympics aims to break down barriers and foster inclusion in all aspects of life.
The cause holds special significance for members of Aramark Employees THRIVE employee resource group (ERG), which is dedicated to advancing awareness and inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Aramark has 11 ERGs, all of which are open to salaried employees and provide opportunities to engage in meaningful community initiatives. Through THRIVE, Aramark employees actively support and participate in events that align with their mission of fostering inclusivity and championing diversity.
Marc Bruno, Chief Operating Officer – U.S.,Aramark Employees , and Executive Sponsor of THRIVE, has a deeply personal connection to Special Olympics. His daughter, Lara, has been participating in the Polar Plunge for the past eight years, and her journey continues to inspire him and many others.
“SOPA allows countless brave and fearless athletes to compete in their elected sport. Athletes like my daughter Lara, who has now taken the plunge the past eight years, continue to inspire me each day,” said Bruno. “As a parent, I’ve witnessed firsthand the life-changing friendships and leadership skills provided by Special Olympics.”
This year in Philadelphia, 13 Aramark team members joined the plunge at Citizens Bank Park, demonstrating their commitment to the cause through their enthusiastic participation and fundraising efforts. Collectively, these individuals raised over $20,000 for SOPA, helping to further the mission of Special Olympics and support its programming.
Beyond the participants themselves, the event was met with overwhelming support from Aramark employees. More than 30 THRIVE members and allies attended to cheer on the plungers, reinforcing the sense of community and solidarity that defines the Special Olympics movement. The presence of these supporters served as a testament to the dedication of the Aramark community in fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for individuals of all abilities.
Aramark Employees commitment to supporting Special Olympics extends beyond the Polar Plunge. Last March, THRIVE hosted teams from Philadelphia’s Furness and Olney High Schools for leadership and career exploration activities as part of SOPA’s Unified Champion Schools program. This initiative, which promotes social inclusion through unified sports and leadership programs, provided students with valuable opportunities to engage with professionals and develop essential skills for their future endeavors. Additionally, a team from Strath Haven High School participated in a friendly bocce tournament with THRIVE members at Aramark’s Philadelphia headquarters, further strengthening the bond between the company and the Special Olympics community.
Pittsburgh Plungers
In addition to the Philadelphia event, Aramark employees also took part in the SOPA Polar Plunge in Pittsburgh. A dedicated team of 11 members participated in the plunge at Acrisure Stadium on February 22nd, raising more than $2,800 for SOPA. Their efforts contributed to the overall success of the event and helped raise awareness about the importance of inclusion and community engagement.
For many participants, the event was not just about raising funds but also about celebrating personal experiences and stories of resilience. Emily Arch, a Senior Human Resources Manager with Aramark Collegiate Hospitality and a THRIVE member, played a key role in expanding Aramark Employees involvement in Pittsburgh. Her personal connection to the cause added a meaningful layer to her participation.
“I have a hereditary hearing loss and, growing up, I struggled in small intimate settings such as a classroom,” Arch shared. “I eventually found that playing sports was where I was most happy and developed self-confidence in the fact that people now saw me for more than a disability. I see how sports can build confidence in a world where people don’t feel like they fit in sometimes.”
Arch’s story underscores the transformative power of sports, not just for Special Olympics athletes but for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. By creating an environment that prioritizes inclusion and empowerment, Special Olympics helps individuals discover their strengths, build confidence, and forge lifelong connections.
A Broader Commitment to Inclusion
Aramark’s support for Special Olympics Pennsylvania and its participation in events like the Polar Plunge reflect a broader commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through THRIVE and other ERGs, Aramark Employees the company continues to create spaces where employees can come together, support meaningful causes, and drive positive change in their communities.
The success of this year’s Polar Plunge events in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh highlights the impact that corporate engagement can have on important social causes. By stepping up—quite literally—into freezing waters, Aramark employees not only demonstrated their dedication to Special Olympics but also set an example of what it means to be allies and advocates for inclusion.
As Aramark looks ahead, the company remains committed to finding new ways to support Special Olympics and similar initiatives. Whether through fundraising efforts, volunteer work, or advocacy, Aramark and its employees continue to champion the values of diversity, inclusion, and community engagement. The Polar Plunge is just one of many ways in which they bring these values to life, proving that a little cold water is a small price to pay for making a meaningful difference.
With each plunge, each cheer, and each dollar raised, Aramark is helping to create a world where everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive. And as long as there are athletes ready to compete and communities ready to support them, Aramark will be there—taking the plunge, embracing the cause, and standing firmly in support of inclusion.
