JOLIET – Joliet resident James Aguiar was honored by Exelon for his outstanding fundraising and volunteer work with Special Olympics Illinois, a global nonprofit organization that Aguiar has been involved with since 2009.
Aguiar's granddaughter, Cami, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy after she suffered a stroke at birth – a hardship that motivates his involvement with the program.
Since 2012, Aguiar has been the creator and team captain of the “Ice-A-Topes for Cami,” a Polar Plunge team that raises funds for Special Olympics Illinois. To date, Aguiar has raised more than $60,000 for Special Olympics Illinois.
His fundraising efforts allow for children with intellectual disabilities to be involved in athletics, such as his granddaughter, Cami, who participates in bowling, basketball and track. Thanks to Aguiar’s dedication, children such as his granddaughter are able to participate in sports year-round.
Aguiar is a design engineer for Exelon Generation. He was recognized, along with five other Exelon employees, at an awards luncheon hosted by Exelon’s President & CEO, Chris Crane, on June 1 at the University Club of Chicago. In addition to public recognition, Special Olympics Illinois will receive a monetary donation of $10,000.
