Thursday, February 07, 2008

Aerotek Supports Special Olympics of Maryland at 2008 Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge

Aerotek Inc., a leading provider of technical, professional and industrial staffing and program services based in Hanover, MD, recently supported the Special Olympics of Maryland as the founding sponsor for the 12th Annual Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge.   Aerotek employees raised more than $116,000 for the Special Olympics of Maryland and donated more than 480 hours of service to this year’s event.

The day of the event more than 60 Aerotek volunteers registered approximately 12,000 plungers from across the country in support of Special Olympics athletes. Thirty-three Aerotek employees from the company’s corporate office in Hanover and other Maryland office locations jumped enthusiastically into the nearly freezing water.

Corporate Credit Manager Ed Chiolo is a veteran plunger.  "The whole experience is very rewarding, you quickly forget the freezing cold water when you realize the impact that you are having on Special Olympic athletes. It's overwhelming to witness the generosity and support of such a large group of people dedicating their time and resources to such a worthwhile cause," Chiolo said.  

Each year generates more excitement about the opportunity to support Special Olympics of Maryland by not only plunging into the chilly waters of the Chesapeake Bay, but also by having a large volunteer and sponsorship presence. The MSP Polar Bear Plunge continues to grow in size each year with over 10,000 participants and $3 million in donations generated in 2008. 
     
In addition to supporting the MD chapter of Special Olympics dozens of Aerotek offices across the U.S. also support local Special Olympic chapters at similar fundraising events and Special Olympic athletic games.

Aerotek is thankful to be a part of history and such a successful event each year. Knowing its support of the Special Olympics of Maryland will last a lifetime, Aerotek will continue its longstanding relationship with the Special Olympics of Maryland.

About Aerotek
Aerotek, headquartered in Hanover, Md., is a leading provider of technical, professional and industrial staffing and program services.  Established in 1983, Aerotek is an operating company of the Allegis Group, the second largest provider of staffing services in the United States.  Aerotek operates a network of more than 150 non-franchised offices throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.  For more information, visit www.aerotek.com.

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