Durham School Services Takes the Plunge for Special Olympics Illinois
Durham School Services, a leader in student transportation, took honors as the top fundraising team at the Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge at Sunrise Beach in Lake Bluff, Ill., March 3. Durham's team of 36 plungers, which included members of the corporate office, field managers, drivers, and family members, raised $10,780 for Special Olympics Illinois. Durham also donated bus service to transport the plungers to and from Sunrise Beach.
More than 270 Lake Bluff plungers raised a total of $88,675 to benefit Special Olympics Illinois Far West Suburban/Area 2, which serves athletes with intellectual disabilities in DuPage, Kane and Kendall Counties. This is the fifth year Durham has participated in the Lake Bluff Plunge, which is one of 20 being held around the state of Illinois through March 24.
“Durham School Services began transporting special needs students in 1917,” said David Duke, Chief Executive Officer of National Express Corporation, parent company of Durham School Services and Stock Transportation. “Our commitment to the safety and well being of children extends beyond the school bus ride and into each and every community we serve. We have partnered with Special Olympics for the past 15 years, supporting local events across the country because we truly believe in their mission. We are honored to be affiliated with such an extraordinary organization. Serving the communities in which we operate is a Primary Value at Durham School Services, and I am proud of the way our employees demonstrate those values in the most commendable ways.”
Durham's participation in the Polar Plunge was organized by Kim Frost, General Manager of Durham School Services' Lake Villa location. “Everybody loved being a part of the plunge and want to do it again next year,” Frost said. “After being involved and knowing how this helps Special Olympics Illinois and what this money can do for them, it's easy to see why we do this.”
“The enthusiasm and loyal support of the team at Durham School Services has been very gratifying for the Special Olympics staff, athletes and volunteers,” said Dave Breen, president and CEO of Special Olympics Illinois. “They not only raise funds to support our program, but the buses and friendly drivers that shuttle plungers to and from the beach add to the festive atmosphere of plunge day, which encourages people to return year after year.”
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About Durham School Services
Durham School Services is a leading provider of student transportation consistently recognized for its outstanding safety record. Durham partners with school districts in 30 states and operates a fleet of nearly 13,000 buses. Our success rests with our dedicated employees who live our mission: “Getting kids to school safe, on time, and ready to learn.” For more information, visit www.durhamschoolservices.com.
About Special Olympics Illinois
Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 19 sports for more than 21,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and more than 11,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics promotes acceptance for all and changes lives by empowering people with intellectual disabilities to realize their full potential in sports and in life. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support. If you are interested in learning more about Special Olympics Illinois, volunteering or providing financial support to help make Special Olympics programs possible, contact Special Olympics Illinois at 630-942-5610 or visit the website at www.soill.org.