Featured Plunger: UnitedHealthcare
As part of its "Do Good. Live Well." social responsibility initiative, UnitedHealthcare — a Gold 2012 Polar Bear Plunge Sponsor — has been one of the Plunge's biggest supporters. "Do Good. Live Well." isn't just something people say at UnitedHealthcare; it's something they experience through community service, skills-based volunteering and disaster response.
UnitedHealthcare employees live this commitment in Minnesota and across the country. According to UnitedHealthcare's Adam Hjerpe, 77% of company employees logged over two hundred thousand hours volunteering in their communities last year.
Since the dedication to community service is deeply ingrained in the company's foundation, it is not surprising that UnitedHealthcare has been involved in all aspects of the Polar Bear Plunge for the past five years.
Last year, the company sponsored the Dash & Splash 5K and the Polar Plunges, with many employees volunteering and taking the icy dip themselves! Overall, UnitedHealthcare had multiple teams Plunge in Minneapolis. In addition, a large group of employees won the Corporate Cup Challenge at the Duluth location.
"Our culture and values center around compassion. That is why any help or support is great. Whenever people can give whatever they are able to give, especially in the current economic situation, it is always helpful," Hjerpe says.
Hjerpe is currently a Head of Delegation and a Head Coach for Special Olympics Minnesota. For him, spearheading UnitedHealthcare's involvement with the Polar Plunge helped him join his personal values with his professional values. His 14-year-old son, Steven, has been an athlete with Special Olympics Minnesota for nearly six years. In fact, Steven took his first Plunge last year as part of the Freezin' for Steven team named after him. Right after Steven and his team took their Plunge, the "Do Good. Live Well." team jumped in. When asked if Steven will take the dip again this year, Hjerpe says, "We are going to try to get him to Plunge again; it was quite an experience for him last year. His brothers are doing it as well."
Hjerpe himself is planning on Plunging multiple times this year, both at the Minneapolis and Duluth locations. For him, the best part Polar Plunge is the people. "It's amazing to see the number of people who come and support us, donate and cheer us on." He commends the Special Olympics Minnesota staff for doing such a great job in organizing the events. "They make it look easy," he says.
Hjerpe enjoys the creativity of costumes each year. He says, "It could be a really interesting costume that looked good when it was dry, but maybe not so much when it comes out wet!" He also likes watching the Plunge newcomers. "The look on some of the first-time Plungers' faces is just priceless." His advice? "Don't think, just jump! It's not as bad as you think. Every time you think of how cold you are, think of the warmth you have put in the hearts of the athletes you are Plunging for."
Hjerpe would like to see UnitedHealthcare's involvement with the Polar Plunge continue to grow. "Volunteering also has a huge benefit to employees. It increases their sense of well-being and helps them answer the question, 'What's my purpose?' It's just a great way to engage people and support families and people in the community."
View the UnitedHealthcare teams
Visit Adam Hjerpe's Plunger page
Visit Freezin' for Steven's team page
