Children’s Home Society Makes a Splash for Special Olympics of South Dakota

Posted on February 25, 2025

RAPID CITY, SD—On Sunday, February 23, 14 Children’s Home Society (CHS) employees put on their capes and purple CHS gear to brave frigid water temperatures for a special cause. The team of CHS staff jumped in the Rapid City Polar Plunge and raised $3,020 for Special Olympics of South Dakota.

DJ Toczek is the Human Resource Coordinator at CHS. He says that the CHS Black Hills Employee Engagement committee thought the Polar Plunge would be a great way for employees to bond and uplift another nonprofit doing impactful work.

“It’s inspiring to witness a group of employees be so eager to plunge into freezing waters, all for the purpose of helping others,” says Toczek.

The proceeds from the event support 2,700 athletes across South Dakota. Toczek says, “The contributions we raised, and our involvement support Special Olympics athletes in achieving their goals on and off the field.”

President and CEO Michelle Lavallee was thrilled to see the formation of the CHS Polar Plunge team. She says there is power when nonprofits and people come together to support great work.

“At Children’s Home Society, we believe in the power of standing up for good,” says Lavallee. “We support other nonprofits and community members who are also trying to make a difference and bring goodness into the world. Today, our organizations made waves and showed the power of what can happen when people unite for a great cause. I’m proud of my team, Special Olympics and all who donated to make a splash for good.”