Ready, set … Plunge

Lawson Ice Arena holds Polar Plunge on Saturday

By Nate Coe
Western Herald

(Western Herald file photo) From left, former WSA Vice President Katie Rollert, WMU President John Dunn, and former WSA President Chris Praedel reach for the turn around flag in Goldsworth Valley pond during last year’s Polar Plunge.

Yet again, it’s time for President John Dunn to take the icy plunge as the second annual Polar Plunge rolls around.
The event will be held March 28 at Lawson Ice Arena.

The Polar Plunge is a philanthropic event to raise money for the Special Olympics of Michigan.

“Our goal this year is to raise $10,000,” Courtney Dunsmore, WSA student affairs chair, said.

Registration is $50 and people are allowed to walk‑in for registration at 11 a.m. before the event if they haven’t registered already. The plunge officially kicks off at noon.

“Kalamazoo has only been doing polar plunges since last year, so this year is exciting because it’s on campus,” Dunsmore said. “It will be cool because it will bring the Kalamazoo community together.”

Usually the Polar Plunge is during the cold winter months; last year’s was in Goldsworth Valley Pond. But because it’s warmer this year, it’s inside Lawson and everyone will jump in a pool donated by Sam’s Club.

And before everyone jumps in, there will be a costume contest.

“Everyone is invited to wear a costume for the costume contest, so make sure they’re waterproof,” Dunsmore said.
But one rule is that wetsuits are not permitted.

Dunn also offered a personal challenge to WMU and the city of Kalamazoo. If $5,000 is raised, he promises to take the icy plunge. People can donate to his challenge at his Web site, www.firstgiving.com/presidentdunn.

WMU Bookstore has donated T-shirts, which will be for sale, and the money raised will go towards the Special Olympics.

After the plunge there will be a post‑party for the announcement of the costume winners. Prizes will be awarded to the Registered Student Organization with the best costume and the individual with the best costume.

Papa John’s Pizza and Coca‑Cola are sponsoring the event as well so there will be food and beverages. Anyone not registered can enjoy the post‑party for $5.

“We’re doing the Polar Plunge to help create awareness in the community about capabilities of people with intellectual disabilities. But more importantly we do this just to have fun,” Tom Dowdall, the Special Olympics Development Manager said.

“What we really need is for students to push it on campus,” Dowdall said.

Dowdall also said that Andy Pepper of Channel 3 News had put forth his own challenge of raising $500 to take the plunge. Already he has raised $1,700.

“I am very confident that we will surpass our goal,” Dowdall said. “How far past our goal we’ll just have to wait and see.”

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Posted by HeraldAdmin on Mar 26 2009. Filed under Campus, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

Cody Kimball
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