WNYLaborToday.com Editor’s Note: Pictured above, eight Members of Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1168 - including Denise Abbott, who serves as President of the Buffalo AFL-CIO Central Labor Council, participated in the Special Olympics’ Polar Plunge in Lake Erie that was recently held at Woodlawn Beach State Park in Blasdell.  The CWA Local was a sponsor of the event and those Union Members who took part in the plunge helped raise $2,300 for the worthy cause.  (CWA Local 1168 Provided Photos)

(BLASDELL, NEW YORK) – Admittedly, Denise Abbott - President of the Buffalo AFL-CIO Central Labor Council who is Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1168’s Health and Safety Director, initially wasn’t all that wild about wading out into the chilly waters of Lake Erie during the Special Olympics’ Polar Plunge that was held earlier this month just off Woodlawn Beach State Park in Blasdell. 

But she told WNYLaborToday.com that she had a “special reason” for wanting to do so, in addition to helping raise money for such a worthwhile charity that’s the world's largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing year-round training and activities to an estimated five million participants and unified sports partners in 172 countries around the world.  The non-profit serves more than 45,000 athletes across New York State with year-round sports training, health screenings and more.

“I did it for my Uncle Billy,” Abbott, who served as her late Uncle’s legal guardian, said.

Abbott’s Uncle had “severe” down syndrome and he “lived in a home with people who care about disabilities took care of him,” she said.

“He was my best buddy, a sweet and happy individual who made my life joyful.  I did it because I feel it’s important to give my time and raise money (for such a worthy cause),” Abbott said.

Abbott was first approached by Special Olympics Representatives during a recent meeting of the Western New York AFL-CIO Area Labor Federation. 

After saying yes, she took the ask back to Local 1168, which agreed to be a sponsor of the event, she said.

In all, eight CWA Local 1168 Members - all Women, took part in the plunge and in the process helped raise around $2,300, which was directly due to their efforts.

Looking back, Abbott said she had a “great time,” but jokingly noted she went through “the three stages of the Polar Plunge: Meeting with friends; Feeling pretty good about everything; and then, shock and hypothermia.”

“I had ‘no expectations other than it was going to be cold.’  ‘I really didn’t know what to expect.’  I did go into the water about armpit deep, ‘which wasn’t bad - but it was the wind was the hardest part after you got up,’” she added.

Abbott was presented with a small stuffed polar bear by her fellow CWAers as a remembrance of her participation.

“It’s extremely important (Labor continues to involve itself and get its Members involved in such worthy fundraising events),” said Abbott (pictured below), who wore a Union Strong T-shirt to her plunge.  “‘And it was so incredible for people to participate in an event that helps people with disabilities.’”

Two other CWA Local 1168 Members - who wore red CWA Standing Up For Patient Care T-shirts as they took the plunge, who WNYLaborToday.com interviewed said they were “excited to participate in such a good cause.”

“‘It’s because we like to do the crazy stuff,’” answered Local 1168 Organizer/Mobilizer Mary Nowocien (pictured below, on the left, with Abbott) when asked why she took the Polar Plunge.  “‘It was also something different that I had not done before and was really excited to do… and some.’  This was ‘absolutely huge because I would venture to guess that CWA has Members have family members with disabilities and I hope they were inspired to see their Union so involved in this event.’”

Nadine LaFalce, who serves as a Local 1168’s Vice President at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, agreed: “‘I was excited to do it because it was for such a good cause.’  ‘It’s all about supporting our community and letting them know we are there for them.’  ‘Unions have heart!’  The waves ‘were great.’  ‘I was praying for snow in the air and on the ground and we got all three.’  ‘And remember all the camaraderie that took place, all united to raise money for a good cause - it’s beautiful.’”

Renee Snyder, Vice President of Development for Special Olympics New York, told Buffalo Station WIVB-TV/Channel 4: “We do Polar Plunges because, frankly, they work.  People love being in the water, they love supporting a great cause and we’re a little bit different than a walk or a run or a gala.  We’re raising money for our community and it’s really going right back into our community.”

To Directly Access WIVB-TV/Channel 4’s Story, Go To: Polar Plunge sets new record | News 4 Buffalo