Nicor Gas employees commit to building more inclusive communities across Illinois through Annual Polar Plunge

Winter has arrived with brutal force, which means that it's almost time for Nicor Gas employees to prepare for the annual Polar Plunge supporting Special Olympics Illinois' more than 23,100 traditional athletes and 13,000 young athletes across the state. While last year's in-person event was cancelled due to the pandemic, employees have already started gathering their teams and raising money to support the organization.

For Bernie Anderson, a Regional Community Affairs manager for Nicor Gas in Bloomington, supporting the Special Olympics in nearby Normal, Illinois has been an annual part of his volunteerism in the community for nearly 25 years.

He first supported the nonprofit's summer games at Illinois State University and for the past five years, has led the team building and fundraising for Nicor Gas employees in the Bloomington area.

"We have a group of dedicated employees down here that are heavily involved in company volunteerism and community service days," said Bernie. "They never turn it down."

Prior to the pandemic, about 45 employees in the Bloomington office participated in the Polar Plunge at Miller Park.

For the Anderson family, volunteerism and supporting the differently-abled community is a regular part of their lives. The importance and love of volunteering was instilled in Bernie by his parents, and he did the same with his children and now grandchildren.

"As my children grew up, I would take them to volunteer with Marcfirst, an organization that provides opportunities for those with physical and mental disabilities," he said.

While Anderson does not plan to do the actual plunging, he is excited to support the fundraising and team building aspect of the event - including helping his team exceed their goal of $1,000 in support of Special Olympics Illinois and cheering on his own son. Phillipp Anderson, an operations mechanic that also works for Nicor Gas, will be participating in the plunge in Bloomington this year. However, Bernie believes this cause is about so much more than money.

"It's more than that, it's about recognizing those that are differently-abled and welcoming them as part of your community," he said. "Polar Plunge is a great opportunity for employees to bring their families out and educate their kids about Special Olympics, what we do for our communities and why it is so important that they volunteer and give back as well."

Nicor Gas employees in Bloomington will participate in the annual Polar Plunge at the lake at Miller Park on Saturday, February 26 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. To support the Bloomington team's fundraiser in support of Special Olympics Illinois, visit https://soill.donordrive.com/team/12575. Nicor Gas is also sponsoring a Warming Tent for participants after the plunge.