JEFFERSONVILLE —
Polar plungers are warming up for this year’s fifth-annual Freezin’ for a Reason Polar Plunge at Deam Lake in Borden on Feb. 18.
The Polar Bear Plunge mascot and Southern Indiana Polar Plunge organizers visited the Jeffersonville Ice Skating Rink to sign up potential plungers Saturday. Bobbie Binggeli, director and co-chair of the Southern Indiana Area 2 Polar Plunge, said organizers are raising the bar for fundraising this year.
“We’re hoping to raise $100,000, and get 500 plungers this year,” Binggeli said.
The minimal fundraising goal for polar plungers is $75, and $50 for students with a student ID. Proceeds will help fund 1,000 local athletes participating in the Special Olympics.
Teams like Binggeli’s “Humana Ducks Gone Wild” team can also collectively participate in the plunge.
“It’s a very rewarding experience,” Binggeli said, “and a wonderful and worthwhile event to support for special needs.”
Individuals and teams can register online at www.soindiana.org. Donations can also be made online.
There are 11 Polar Plunges held in Indiana, and the Southern Indiana Area 2 Polar Plunge benefits athletes living in 13 counties including Clark, Floyd, Harrison and surrounding counties. Polar Plunge day registration will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Deam Lake Beach House, and the plunge is at 11 a.m.
Polar plungers will take an icy dip into near-freezing water in the lake. An After Splash Bash, which includes food and music, will be held at Mercy Providence Retirement Center in New Albany.
After three years of polar plunging, Tim Minard, owner of Dogs on the Run hot dogs, has retired from plunging, but fundraises and volunteers at the After Splash Bash serving warm refreshments to polar plunge participants. Minard has raised $250 from the past two years from donations collected in a tip jar at his hot dog stand.
“I’m hooked,” Minard said about his involvement with Special Olympics.
Minard said he felt inspired to volunteer after attending a Special Olympics event.
“The passion the athletes have, and the sense of accomplishment they gain at events is amazing,” Minard said.
Clark County
Related Photos
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Polar Bear Plunge mascot and Steve Binggeli, Southern Indiana Area 2 Polar Plunge co-chair, joking around with ice skaters at the Jeffersonville Ice Skating rink on Saturday. Polar Plunge organizers stopped by the ice skating rink to sign up potential polar plungers and draw awareness for the upcoming Polar Plunge on Feb. 18. Photo by Leah Tate
Discussion
Polar plungers prepare for Deam Lake dip
Organizers hope to raise $100,000 for Special Olympics athletes
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