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. Whether you dared brave the cold nearly nude or take a dip in the frigid Chesapeake Bay, the 2010 Plunge offered plenty to do. Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis, was transformed into a mini carnival. Huge, heated tents covered the grounds and helped everyone temporarily forget about the weather outside. A boardwalk-themed tent was lined with food vendors, boardwalk stands and games, local and national merchants, raffle tickets, and sand castle building for the kids. This year continued the tradition of the annual Polar Bear Plunge Pageant, which included the crowning of Miss and Little Miss Polar Bear Plunge and Miss Hypothermic Hon; 98 Rock's Mickey, Amelia and Spiegel Morning Show broadcasted live and hosted the annual costume contest. The newly-added Ram's Head Ice Lodge offered a live band and adult beverages. It was the holding ground for the cast of Hot Tub Time Machine, a comedy movie about four men who travel to 1986 while drinking in a ski resort hot tub. Plungers were joined by Rob Corddry, formerly with "The Daily Show," Craig Robinson, from the award-winning comedy, "The Office," and Clark Duke from the hit show "Greek". The actors took a plunge into a hot tub and presented a $10,000 check to the 2010 Special Olympics. They also took time to sign pictures and take autographs. Plungers were also joined by Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, Governor O'Malley, and Olympic figure skater Kimmie Meissner. Other well-known participants from past years who attended include former Baltimore Ravens Assistant Head Coach Rex Ryan, Ravens players Adam Terry and Haloti Ngata, Orioles Hall of Famer BJ Surhoff, former Raven Edwin Mulitalo, and former Governor Robert Ehrlich. The day-long event successfully raised money, support and awareness for the Special Olympics. To sign up for next year's Plunge, visit PlungeMd.com.
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