Maryland Legion Family continues support for Special Olympians
For 29 years, the Maryland State Police’s Polar Bear Plunge has served a fundraiser for Maryland Special Olympics, raising millions of dollars. And this year, the Department of Maryland American Legion Family was a big part of the effort.
Members of the Legion Family, including Maryland Department Commander Ruth Higgins, Sons of The American Legion National Commander Donald Hall Jr. and Maryland SAL Detachment Commander Joe Lohman were the thousands who took the icy plunge into the Chesapeake Bay on Feb. 2. Those three helped present nearly $24,000 from the state’s Legion Family.
Among that total was the $16,000 raised by Maryland American Legion Special Olympics Chairman Bill Ganz, a member of Dewey Lohman Post 109 and SAL Squadron 109 in Halethorpe. Ganz was the top individual fundraiser in the military and first responder division, while the Maryland Legion Family finished second in the division’s team competition.
Ganz became interested in the Special Olympics when he realized the scope of what the organization did beyond the Polar Bear Plunge, both nationally and internationally. That led to him taking over as the department’s Special Olympics chairman around five years ago.
“I love every minute of it,” Ganz said, noting others have seen how passionate he is about Special Olympics, which leads to his success at fundraising. “I’m talking about not only Legion people, but former classmates, people I work with, neighborhood people. They see how enthusiastic I am about this.”
Ganz said his involvement with Special Olympics athletes has provided some emotional memories. “I can go to a Special Olympic event … and the kids will come out to me and say, ‘Here comes Wild Bill. Wild Bill’s in the house,’” he said. “They’ll grab my hand and take me over to their parents and say, ‘Mom and dad, take a picture of me and Wild Bill.’ It’s hard to contain myself. I’ve felt tears many, many times.
“These children are so respectful. They’re there to have a good time. They’re always smiling. I get so pumped up over the Special Olympics.”
Being around the Special Olympics participants has brought sone perspective into his life.
“I’m so appreciative that my kids are OK. My grandkids are OK,” he said. “But when you’re with these (Special Olympics athletes), and when you see them participating in sports, it brings the whole world into perspective.
“I’ve always thought that God has a calling for everybody. No matter what it is, somewhere along the line you’ll know. And I think that’s my calling: To help these kids and be with them and cheer them on, give them a pat on the back. Tell them they’re doing great. I truly believe that’s what I’m supposed to be doing.”