Man makes use of swimming to boost consciousness, cash for nonprofit serving to these with IDD

STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WSAW) – When you consider exercising, you most likely consider letting off some steam. However, Jerry Gargulak of Stevens Point is doing it to boost consciousness and cash for Door2Dreams, a trigger with which he has an in depth connection.

“Jerry is a great example of somebody who uses all of his gifts to help others,” Door2Dreams President Karen Medo stated.

You may even see Gargulak on the Stevens Point YMCA swimming laps, however he’s not simply exercising. He’s seeking to assist Door2Dreams. It’s a nonprofit group that assists adults with mental and developmental disabilities (IDD), for which he’s additionally a board member.

“They’re trying to create a community for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, create a community, housing, different options,” Gargulak stated.

His brother handed after residing with IDD. It’s why this trigger is so near Gargulak’s coronary heart. After studying in regards to the venture final 12 months, he started to brainstorm how he may increase consciousness for it.

“I was actually reading an article about Michael Phelps and how he trained and he would do 80 to 90,000 yards a week, plus, you know, other lifting and whatever,” he stated. “So I thought, maybe I could swim 100,000 yards in a month.”

Last 12 months, Jerry did it in 18 days, all whereas gaining neighborhood help and donations. Now, he’s again with just a few thousand yards left till he reaches his aim.

“He’s in the pool oftentimes two times a day, sometimes three, swimming lap after lap after lap,” Stevens Point Area YMCA Member Services and Marketing Director BreAnn Constantineau stated. “It’s exhausting watching him, but he’s committed.”

Donations aren’t simply racking up on-line. Some are hand-delivered and never in probably the most regular conditions.

“Standing in my birthday suit in the locker room where people are coming up to me giving me money,” Gargulak shared. “I mean, it’s just strange, but it’s wonderful.”

However, there’s one massive message Gargulak hopes to convey together with his mission: “We all can give our time, talent, or treasure to make our community stronger.”

To donate to Door2Dreams and assist Gargulak with this venture, click here.

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