For the Positive Impact March 2017 event, the Payline team supported the cause of Special Needs, our positive impact cause of the month, by working with the Chicago chapter of Special Olympics. Nearly 20 members of the Payline family participated in the 17th Annual Polar Plunge in Lake Michigan to benefit Special Olympics Chicago and its local athletes.
The Special Olympics Chicago program is the largest in the State of Illinois, with over 6800 athletes who compete and train in 22 sports throughout the year. Special Olympics Chicago has programming in over 100 Chicago Public Schools throughout the city and in 23 parks through the Chicago Park District. The Special Olympics Chicago programs that are implemented at the Chicago Public Schools and Chicago Park District are modeled across the country.
Prior to the Polar Plunge event, Payliners gave their time during the week to work the pre-registration tent by handing out shirts and Plunge gear and accepting registration forms. The impact of 15 Payline volunteers working for 4 hours provided Special Olympics with the money needed for 4 buses for Special Olympic athletes to get to and from their events.
The Payline Plungers raised nearly $5,000 from family and friends prior to the event, which saw over $1.5 million raised from all participants. Funds raised help to support the activities and events enjoyed by the amazing athletes of the Special Olympics Chicago program. The Positive Impact March 2017 numbers have been great to see from our team!
The Payline Team in Action
Vanessa W., Customer Experience Representative at Payline, works the registration table.
Andy R. sorts t-shirts while sporting our Payline Positive Impact shirt.
Members of the Payline team at the Polar Plunge pre-registration tent.
CEO Jeff Shea plunges into Lake Michigan with Payliners Andy and Eric.
Cold Payliners can’t wait to get out of the frigid Lake Michigan water.
Positive Impact March 2017 Results at a Glance
Looking Ahead to Next Month’s Positive Impact
Payline will be focused on April’s cause of Environmental Awareness by volunteering with the Garfield Park Conservatory to help renovate their outdoor garden. The Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest and most stunning conservatories in the nation and boasts six multi-faceted greenhouses, two grand exhibition halls, and 12 acres of outdoor gardens during the warmer months. Their mission is to change lives through the power of nature by inspiring, educating, and provoking exploration through innovative programs and hands-on experience. The Payline team will also be collecting new garden tools this month to donate to the Conservatory for continued beautification.
For more information on how to work with Payline and how you can be a part of creating a positive impact, please download our Payline Giving FAQ.
Information for this piece came from the Special Olympics Chicago page. If you are interested in volunteering with your company or becoming a coach to Special Olympics athletes, visit the Special Olympics Get Involved page.
