Polar bears living in the arctic must sometimes endure temperatures lower than -50 degrees celsius.
The waters off the Santa Cruz coast never get nearly that cold, but for us Central Californians, the Polar Plunge is still pretty darn chilly.
Good thing it’s for a great cause.
The Polar Plunge is an opportunity for people to run, often costume-clad, into cold water, all for the objective of raising money for the Special Olympics.
Polar Plunges take place wherever bodies of water exist, but the Santa Cruz Polar Plunge is happening Saturday, February 28th at Santa Cruz’s Main Beach. It will specifically be in support of Special Olympics Northern California & Nevada, which offers over 19,000 adults and children a year the chance to participate in different sporting events.
What is a seemingly torturous prospect — immersing oneself voluntarily into freezing ocean water — is made into a fun activity to do with friends mainly because of one key aspects: the costume.
Much like Halloween or a costume party, you have your pick of garb: you can go the bookish route, make your get-up a group effort, or go take the WTF-worthy option. Just make sure you don’t mind your outfit of choice getting completely soaked.
Of course, the real point of the Plunge is to raise money for Special Olympians, and the Plunge’s website has tons of advice on how to get the most dough for your dunk. Among their suggestions: host a bar or restaurant night where a portion of the proceeds go to your Polar Plunge team.
For those wanting to participate, all one must do is sign up as an individual or group, and raise at least $125 per person. People under 18 are welcome, as long as a parent or guardian signs off on it. Corporations and schools are also encouraged to form their own coalitions. Corporations can even have a Special Olympics visit to their office.
The Special Olympics motto is, “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” You might not be the top fundraiser in Santa Cruz, but you can be brave enough to help a great cause, and take the Plunge.
Credit for all photos: KLC fotos
