MONTPELIER – Union Mutual Fire Insurance Company announced on Monday that, together with insurance agency Hickok & Boardman, they have raised over $185,000 for Special Olympics Vermont, exceeding their fundraising goal of $150,000. The fundraising efforts are part of the Company’s participation in the 2024 Penguin Plunge, which took place February 10th. As part of the event, employees of the Company, as well as agency partners and friends, jumped into the frigid waters of Lake Champlain.
“We set the lofty goal of raising $150,000 as part of the commemoration of our Company’s 150th anniversary,” said Lisa Keysar, President & CEO of the Company. “This was our highest ever fundraising goal and we are thrilled that we have been able to reach and surpass that goal, thanks to the generous support of our business partners, friends, and family. We are proud that our collective efforts will provide access to important athletic and social opportunities for individuals of all abilities.”
This is the first time that Hickok & Boardman has teamed up with Union Mutual for purposes of fundraising. “We are honored to be a part of Union Mutual’s Penguin Plunge team this year,” said Jay Nunn, Director of Operations at Hickok & Boardman Insurance Group. “The leadership and efforts by Union Mutual to achieve the $185,000 goal have been inspirational and will provide tremendous support in helping to deliver the mission of Special Olympics Vermont throughout the state.”
Since Union Mutual started participating in the annual Penguin Plunge in 2016, the Company has raised over $600,000 for Special Olympics Vermont. The Company is once again the top fundraising team for the 2024 event, having previously set the record for highest fundraising at $136,000. The funds raised by the Company in this year alone are sufficient to enroll almost 300 athletes Special Olympics Vermont programming. “The entire Special Olympics Vermont community is incredibly grateful for the fundraising accomplishments of the Union Mutual and Hickok & Boardman Popsicles for the 2024 Penguin Plunge,” said Kelsey Conway, Vice President of Mission Advancement at Special Olympics Vermont. “We are so honored that Union Mutual chose to include us in their 150th anniversary celebration. Union Mutual has raised more funds this year than any single team in the history of the Penguin Plunge!”
Union Mutual CEO Lisa Keysar leads by example as she is the top fundraiser for the event and takes part in the Plunge by jumping into Lake Champlain with the team.
