2008 Woodie Awards
Polar Plunge at Cravath Lake to benefit Special Olympics
Alex Koldeway
Issue date: 11/20/07 Section: News
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Nearly $6 million have been raised for Special Olympics Wisconsin through the Polar Plunge in the last ten years.
Dave Polacek, regional director of development for Special Olympics Wisconsin, said the money raised from the Polar Plunge benefits people who are cognitively disabled.
"The purpose of the Special Olympics is to break down the stereotype of these people not being able to function in society," he said. "The Polar Plunge is our largest fundraiser. We do them throughout the state, and we raised almost $1 million statewide last year."
Polacek said the Special Olympics gives people a chance to compete in sporting events such as basketball, soccer, tennis and skiing.
"In addition to all the sporting events, we also have an ALPS program, which provides them with an education in public speaking and working in a business environment," he said.
Ashley Jones, director of the public relations task force for PRSSA, said plungers are required to get pledges before the plunge to raise money for the cause.
Pledges can be made with either cash, check or with a credit card online. Plungers who raise $75 will receive a sweatshirt, and other incentives will also be given out.
Plungers can register online at www.specialolympicswisconsin.org/polar_plunge, at one of the pre-registration events or the day of the plunge. All plungers must register individually, even if they are part of a team.
"Slowly but surely we're getting recruits," she said.
Jones said the plunge won't be in Cravath Lake because of safety concerns.
"It's not going to be in the lake, because it's not clean enough, and there aren't any good spots to jump in," she said. "It's going to be in a pool right next to the lake."
Plungers must sign a waiver the day of the plunge, which can be found at the Special Olympics Web site.
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