Thousands conquer the cold for a great cause at Maryland's 2010 Polar BearPlunge
Issue date: 2/9/10 Section: Arts & Society
By Jennifer Barthole
Staff Writer
Steady snowfall on January 30 did not stop thousands of people from filling up Chesapeake Bay to participate in the 14th annual Polar Bear Plunge, a charity fundraiser for the 2010 Special Olympics.
A combination of notable guests, enthusiasm and a great cause made 'Plungapalooza 2010' a success, bringing in nearly $3 million.
The Plunge is the largest single-day fundraiser for the Special Olympics, an organization which empowers those with intellectual disabilities to participate in bi-annual sporting events. Over the past 13 years, the event has raised nearly $13 million to support over 10,000 Special Olympics Athletes.
To participate, each plunger must raise or donate a minimum of $50 dollars. Most form teams and receive donations from work, school and their communities. 'Super Plungers' raise a minimum of $10,000 dollars each and take a dip into the bay once every hour for twenty four hours. This group alone is expected to raise $500,000 dollars this year.
For many participants, the groups serve as a motivation tool and great bonding experience. Sarah Mitchell, a senior in high school from Bowie, Md., does the event annually with her soccer team. She explained, "After soccer season is over, we use our strength as a team to raise as much money as we can."
The girls proudly wore soccer jerseys scrawled with messages of support from their family, friends and coaches. Their energy was infectious and it was clear the temperature of 23 F, snow-covered sand and the looming paramedics did not faze them.
It seemed most partakers had one thing on their mind: the cause. Mitchell explained that doing the plunge meant more than conquering the cold. Her brother Matthew is autistic and participates in Special Olympics events. "Matt's confidence has raised significantly and we have bonded over sports. It feels so great to give to such an inspiring organization."
Others used the cold as an incentive to don their most creative, wintry costumes. Crazy wigs, face paint and Ravens jerseys were among the most common outfit choices. The more imaginative chose to incorporate polar bear elements into their looks. A group of sorority sisters coordinated matching white bikinis, white furry boots and bear paws. A shivering young man wore a black Speedo with a floor grazing fur cape.
Staff Writer
Steady snowfall on January 30 did not stop thousands of people from filling up Chesapeake Bay to participate in the 14th annual Polar Bear Plunge, a charity fundraiser for the 2010 Special Olympics.
A combination of notable guests, enthusiasm and a great cause made 'Plungapalooza 2010' a success, bringing in nearly $3 million.
The Plunge is the largest single-day fundraiser for the Special Olympics, an organization which empowers those with intellectual disabilities to participate in bi-annual sporting events. Over the past 13 years, the event has raised nearly $13 million to support over 10,000 Special Olympics Athletes.
To participate, each plunger must raise or donate a minimum of $50 dollars. Most form teams and receive donations from work, school and their communities. 'Super Plungers' raise a minimum of $10,000 dollars each and take a dip into the bay once every hour for twenty four hours. This group alone is expected to raise $500,000 dollars this year.
For many participants, the groups serve as a motivation tool and great bonding experience. Sarah Mitchell, a senior in high school from Bowie, Md., does the event annually with her soccer team. She explained, "After soccer season is over, we use our strength as a team to raise as much money as we can."
The girls proudly wore soccer jerseys scrawled with messages of support from their family, friends and coaches. Their energy was infectious and it was clear the temperature of 23 F, snow-covered sand and the looming paramedics did not faze them.
It seemed most partakers had one thing on their mind: the cause. Mitchell explained that doing the plunge meant more than conquering the cold. Her brother Matthew is autistic and participates in Special Olympics events. "Matt's confidence has raised significantly and we have bonded over sports. It feels so great to give to such an inspiring organization."
Others used the cold as an incentive to don their most creative, wintry costumes. Crazy wigs, face paint and Ravens jerseys were among the most common outfit choices. The more imaginative chose to incorporate polar bear elements into their looks. A group of sorority sisters coordinated matching white bikinis, white furry boots and bear paws. A shivering young man wore a black Speedo with a floor grazing fur cape.
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Pierre Barthole
posted 2/09/10 @ 2:58 PM EST
Very informative and well written!
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