STEVENSVILLE, Md. — A dozen Stertil-Koni employees and friends recently threw caution to the frigid winds and icy waters to raise money, spirits, and possibly some heart rates, at the 2018 Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge.

On Jan. 26, during the corporate portion of the 22nd annual event, vehicle lift supplier Stertil-Koni became a four-time Polar Bear Plunger, to help raise funds for the Special Olympics of Maryland.

The weather was cool, at 40 degrees, but sunny, according to Stertil-Koni. The company’s team, clad only in their swimwear, first huddled together on the beach prior to raising their spirits and lowering their body temperatures as they dove into the Chesapeake Bay.

"It’s all part of an effort to help create a world in which opportunity is not limited,” said Kevin Hymers, director of operations for Stertil-Koni. 

Every year in late January, more than 10,000 plungers journey to Sandy Point State Park, at the foot of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, in the spirit of giving back, according to Stertil-Koni. The event is a three-day affair, with schools participating on Thursday; police, first responders, and corporations on Friday; and the public on Saturday.

This year’s team included Stertil-Koni employees Kevin Hymers, director of operations; Jean DellAmore, president; Dave Ziegler, warehouse manager; Rich Weinreich, warehouse associate; Robyn Collier, warranty coordinator; Nick Narvesen, logistics specialist; Jacob Rosendale, service technician; Michael Nichols, technical support; and marketing associates Nathan Wright and Jill Kubatko.

“We are family at Stertil-Koni,” DellAmore said. “The annual Polar Bear Plunge gives us an opportunity to unite outside of the office, do something good for the community, have fun, and support a wonderful cause: Maryland’s Special Olympics.”

Contributions can still be made to the Special Olympics of Maryland on behalf of the Stertil-Koni team through Feb. 26 here.