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Union Mutual Raises Nearly $45,000, Sets New Penguin Plunge Fundraising Mark

February 15, 2019

MONTPELIER – Union Mutual proudly participated in the Penguin Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Vermont on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 at the Burlington Waterfront.

With the widespread support of hundreds of donors, the “Union Mutual Popsicles” were able to set a new high-water mark for the event’s fundraising with a grand total of $44,932.  The previous team fundraising record was $30,000, set back in 2012.

“Union Mutual is thrilled to continue its partnership with Special Olympics Vermont and help make the 2019 Penguin Plunge a huge success.  We are truly humbled with the level of support our employees, agency partners, friends and families generated.  Both of our organizations strive to do the best we can to better the lives of those within our communities and we look forward to collaborating with each other for years to come,” Union Mutual President & CEO Michael Nobles said.

The Union Mutual Popsicles consisted of 37 employees, agency partners, friends and family who braved the 18-degree air, strong winds and 33-degree water temperatures as they “Plunged” into the icy waters of Lake Champlain.  Led by Jeff McLaughlin, Connor Turnbaugh and Nobles (who was also the event’s lead fundraiser), the Popsicles helped the more than 1,200 participants raise over $543,000 for Special Olympics Vermont.

“The Penguin Plunge is our largest fundraising event and directly impacts our ability to change attitudes and raise awareness about the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities. The funds raised through the Penguin Plunge allow us to showcase the skills and dignity of our athletes,” said Sasha Fisher, Senior Manager of Events and Partnerships for Special Olympics Vermont. “Sports are a powerful force and can shift the focus from disability to ability, from isolation to involvement. The transformative power of sports instills confidence, improves health and inspires a sense of competition. This is why we Plunge!”

Union Mutual is the proud lead sponsor of the Special Olympics Vermont Summer Games.

Union Mutual of Vermont Companies, founded in 1874, is a property casualty insurance group consisting of Union Mutual Fire Insurance and New England Guaranty Insurance Company Inc., both based in Montpelier, Vermont; Eastern Mutual Insurance Company, based in Greenville, New York; and Community Mutual Insurance Company, based in Troy, New York. The four companies write a total of $187 million in direct premium annually through independent agents throughout New England and New York, and are all rated A-(Excellent) with a Positive Outlook by A.M. Best.