Minor League Baseball Charities to Support NC State University 5k Run ‘N Plunge Fundraiser for Special Olympics North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. (January 29, 2009) - The NC State 5k Run ‘N Plunge has added Minor League Baseball Charities as a Platinum sponsor for the North Carolina State Run ‘N Plunge fundraiser to benefit Special Olympics. Minor League Baseball leagues and clubs celebrate a long history of supporting charity organizations.

"We are thrilled to sponsor this unique event and support Special Olympics North Carolina athletes," said Jill Rusinko, Durham Athletic Park Manager, Durham Operations for Minor League Baseball. "We hope lots of baseball fans will come out and join the fun at the 5k race or by plunging into the cold water."

The Run ‘N Plunge fundraiser will take place at Lake Raleigh, NC State University, Centennial Campus on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009. This unique fundraiser is being organized by the NC State Campus Police and will benefit the North Carolina Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

The event includes a 5k run/walk and a polar plunge into the cold waters of Lake Raleigh. Participants may do the race and the plunge or just one.

Runners/walkers are encouraged to lace up the sneakers for a 5k race around the USATF certified Centennial Campus course at 9 a.m. A minimum donation fee of $25 per runner is required. Runners/walkers may pre-register online at www.ncstate5k.com or register on-site the morning of the event. Participants are encouraged to create personal fundraising web pages at www.firstgiving.com/sonc to send to family and friends to solicit support. All race participants will receive a free event T-shirt.

At 11 a.m., brave souls will take a leap into the chilly waters of Lake Raleigh for the polar plunge. A minimum $50 donation fee is required to plunge. Plungers may register and create a personal fundraising web page online at www.ncstatepolarplunge.com. Plungers will receive a free long-sleeved event T-shirt.

All participants can enjoy the Run 'N Plunge event festival (9 a.m.- 1 p.m.) which will include homemade chili, baked goods, post race snacks, music, raffles and the chance to meet Special Olympics athletes!

Support and participation in charities has helped the Minor Leagues establish a strong presence and active role in communities across the United States and Canada. Special Olympics is one of three major charities including ALS Association and Big Brothers Big Sisters that Minor League Baseball supports. The goal is to give national exposure to these charities, expand current relationships between clubs and local chapters and begin new relationships where they do not already exist. 

NC State Run ‘N Plunge event sponsors include: BJ's Wholesale Club (Presenting); Minor League Baseball Charities (Platinum).

Sponsorship opportunities are available to local businesses and corporations! A fun employee outing and great marketing benefits will result from supporting Special Olympics North Carolina athletes in this event! Call 919-539-5963 for more details.

For more event information, visit www.sonc.net or call 919-515-5963.

Special Olympics North Carolina offers year-round sports training and competition for more than 38,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. These athletes inspire greatness through their success and provide motivation to the thousands of coaches, sports officials, local program committee members and event organizers involved in Special Olympics statewide. SONC offers Olympic-type competition in 20 sports on local and state levels. It is among the largest Special Olympics programs in North America in terms of registered athletes.

Media Contacts:
Mike Gauss
mike@articulon.com
(919) 232-5008

Megan O’Donnell
modonnell@sonc.net
(919) 818-4598

This release was published on openPR.