Pittsburgh, PA (February 22nd, 2025) cfsbank, headquartered in Charleroi, PA braved the icy waters at Acrisure Stadium for Special Olympics Pennsylvania Polar Plunge this past Saturday in Pittsburgh!
Bottom L to R- Amanda Bilitski, Jackie Platt, Jen Hyde Top (L to R)- Carole DeAngelo, James Protin, Jennifer DiLucia, Andrew Fee, Kelly Moore, Amy Barnes, Eric Chandler, Karen Bennett
Kelly Moore, Business & Community Development Officer with cfsbank and Team cfsbank Polar Plunge Captain, gathered a group of plungers to join her at the stadium. Together they raised $16,650 for Special Olympics Pennsylvania.
“I created this team because I believe in the power of community. The Special Olympics is about inclusion, perseverance and pushing past limits, and that is something we should all stand behind.”, Kelly stated, “This wasn’t just about jumping into freezing water- it’s about making a statement that we support these incredible athletes and the opportunities that they deserve. This team rallied behind each other and brought out the best, offering inspiration as we celebrated every dollar donated to our team!”
Polar Plunge is a thrilling event where participants around the state take a frosty dip in a pool or lake and raise funds to support the more than 15,000 Special Olympics Pennsylvania athletes. All of the funds raised go to provide FREE sports, health and leadership programming to our athletes – including athletes in the Three Rivers region which serves the Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties.
“I took the polar plunge in honor of my brother, Billy Mitchell. Special Olympics has been a huge part of my family’s life for many years. Billy was a dedicated athlete with Special Olympics. They gave so much to Billy and to our family – a sense of community, inclusion, and unforgettable moments of joy. Now, it’s my turn to give back.”, commented Amy Barnes, Vice President of Human Resources with cfsbank, “Taking the plunge is just a small way I can support an organization that has touched so many lives, including my own.”
“This year’s Pittsburgh Polar Plunge was nothing short of amazing! Seeing our community come together- especially teams like cfsbank- to support our athletes in such incredible ways is truly inspiring.”, added Andrew Fee, Vice President/ Special Olympics PA, “The record-breaking 1.2 million raised will directly benefit our athletes right here in Southwestern PA, giving them more opportunities to train, compete, and shine both on and off of the field. We’re so grateful for every person who took the plunge helped make this unforgettable weekend possible!”
“I took the plunge because every athlete deserves a chance to shine. The Special Olympics empower individuals with intellectual disabilities, and I’m proud to support such an incredible caus.”, Carole DeAngelo- Director of Multi-Market Advertising and Events, Observer-Reporter said, “A little cold is nothing compared to the strength and determination these athletes show every day!”
Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s is a non-profit organization that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
cfsbank is a full-service community bank headquartered in Charleroi, PA. It has been an independent and locally managed mutual savings bank since 1935. cfsbank operates 10 offices, spanning four counties including Butler, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties. With a team of approximately 100 people, cfsbank is committed to exceeding the expectations of our customers and the growth and development of the markets we serve.