GEICO is Taking a Polar Plunge for the Special Olympics to Raise a Million Dollars

By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Insurance Weekly News -- GEICO's Assistant Vice President Matt Mitchell started volunteering with Special Olympics Virginia 20 years ago on a basketball court in Fredericksburg, Va. He likely didn't think he would be kicking off 2018 by charging into the Atlantic Ocean at the height of winter with a group of several thousand screaming, costume-clad, do-gooders. But that's just where you will find him come Saturday, Feb. 3 at 2 p.m.

"I'm awed by our athletes' achievements both on and off the field of play," says Mitchell. "The Polar Plunge is a wonderful-- and very chilly-- example of how we celebrate those achievements, have some fun, and gain further momentum around greater inclusion within schools and communities."

In June, Mitchell will officially be named chairman of the Special Olympics Virginia's board of directors. As chairman, he will kick off this year's Virginia Special Olympics Summer Games in Richmond officiating the opening ceremony celebrating the movement's 50 year anniversary. Then Mitchell will have the honor of bidding the statewide delegation of nearly 70 athletes, coaches, and volunteers a farewell as they head to Seattle to compete for USA Games.

"He's a true servant leader," Special Olympics Virginia's President Rick Jeffrey, says of Mitchell. "I knew him when he first started volunteering with us, and he's still that same, genuine, hands-on guy at every event. He has been a wonderful board member over the years, and we're fortunate to have his leadership as chairman, come June. It's going to be an exciting few years together."

"It's an honor to help guide this organization during such an exciting period in its 50-year history," remarked Mitchell. "Knowing that I will have the support of literally hundreds of GEICO associates, who are also Special Olympics volunteers, makes it all the more rewarding," he continued. GEICO, a statewide partner of Special Olympics Virginia, has been providing volunteer and financial support to the organization for more than twenty years.

For now, there's still time to support Team GEICO's efforts to help raise a cool million at the upcoming Polar Plunge® Winter Fest at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Attending the Festival is FREE. The new Plunge Marketplace will have Crafted Indie Arts and Craft Market exhibitors under a big heated tent on the beach. Spectators will be treated to live music and will likely catch a glimpse of GEICO's famous Gecko mascot boogying down the Boardwalk.

Polar Plunge participants and runners must register online or in person on event day at the Hilton Oceanfront. To view an event schedule or to make a donation, visit: www.polarplunge.com or https://impact.specialolympicsva.org/team/145125. GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the second-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO, which was founded in 1936, provides millions of auto insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to serve more than 16 million private passenger customers, insuring more than 27 million vehicles (auto & cycle).

Using GEICO's online service center, policyholders can purchase policies, make policy changes, report claims and print insurance ID cards. Policyholders can also connect to GEICO through GEICO Mobile, reach a representative over the phone or visit a GEICO local agent.

GEICO also provides insurance quotes on motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), boats, travel trailers and motorhomes (RVs). Coverage for life, homes and apartments is written by non-affiliated insurance companies and is secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.

For more information, go to www.geico.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180201005613/en/

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