Polar Pop Fundraiser Supports DeSales Special Olympics Committee

Students, faculty, and staff braved frigid water for a day of fun and camaraderie to make a positive impact for the Special Olympics community. 

The DeSales Special Olympics Committee held its annual Polar Pop fundraiser on February 23 in the Dorothy Day parking lot. Participants braced themselves not only for the cold but also for the thrill as student leaders and educators took the plunge into an icy dunk tank. 

“I wanted to come out because of the great cause and to get hot chocolate and dunk a student leader or instructor.” -Juliana Ciarrocchi ’27, communication studies major 

For just $5, members of the campus community had three chances to show off their throwing skills. Polar Pop was also a great opportunity to grab some Special O gear—from cozy winter hats and T-shirts to rally towels. All proceeds supported the student committee’s fundraising activities and the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Eastern Fall Sectional, an annual event that brings hundreds of athletes and their families to campus.

“I’m a former committee member and management committee team member, so I just wanted the chance to give back the little bit I could,” said Dan Martinez ’23, a residence hall director who’s currently in the M.Ed. in higher education program and who braved the dunk tank.