Time momentarily froze to a standstill on Friday, March 25 for the determined team of undaunted souls from heavy duty vehicle lift leader, Stertil-Koni, who, once again frolicked in the frigid waters of the Chesapeake Bay for a very warm reason.

The event, held at beautiful Sandy Point State Park, was the 24th Annual Polar Bear Plunge, hosted by the Maryland State Police and dedicated to raising funds for Maryland’s Special Olympics athletes. It is also a “must” on the Stertil-Koni calendar each year, along with more than 10,000 additional people willing to “bear” the shivering cold waters and bracing breezes at the park’s beachfront to help make a difference.

This particular year, Stertil-Koni fielded one of its largest teams ever, consisting of 21 intrepid adventurers comprised of Stertil-Koni employees along with friends and family members – each of whom couldn’t be missed wearing their custom tee shirts distinguished by their off-the-charts, high-visibility solar flare-inspired yellow color. Stertil-Koni employees plunging included: Amelia Andres, Kevin Hymers, Jacqueline Cullison, Alexis Mozier, Laura Tillbery, Nathan Wright, Peter Bowers, Tammy Mitchell, Doug Frakes, Rich Weinreich, Gregory Watkins, Tim Kerr and company president, Dr. Jean DellAmore.

The group was led into the fortifying Chesapeake Bay by team stalwart, Kevin Hymers, who serves as Stertil-Koni’s director of operations. With mission accomplished, the gathering warmed up together over a good old-fashion barbecue at a nearby restaurant, where Hymers noted, “The plunge is one our favorite corporate events, and it was extra special this year because so many people could participate together at an in-person event with a record turnout. The camaraderie is wonderful, and it’s an honor to support Maryland’s more than 7,500 awesome Special Olympics athletes.”

The Stertil-Koni team participated in the Corporate Plunge portion of the event, which along with the entire four-day celebration, eclipsed previous records and successfully raised approximately $3 million.