Whitewater hosted its 25th annual Polar Plunge last Saturday, March 9th. The Polar Plunge is a fundraising event intended to raise money for Special Olympics Whitewater athletes. This event was hosted at the Whitewater Aquatic Center. Participants raised money through donations, and as a result, took a plunge into the aquatic pool.
Whitewater has held this event annually for the last 25 years, but it was slightly different this year. This year was the first time Whitewater’s Plunge took place in an actual pool instead of the Whitewater beach. This shift in location made it easier for participants with disabilities to enter and exit the pool.
Fraternity Sigma Tau Gamma raised $2,600 out of the $25,000 of the total raised amount donated. Nathan Pfau, Sigma Tau Gammas philanthropy director, shared some insight on the cause. “Sigma Tau Gamma’s National Philanthropy is Special Olympics, that is why the polar Plunge is so important to us, because it is one of the biggest event special olympics does to raise money for a cause that we are so passionate about. Special Olympics has give this chapter a better light because we are not only able to raise money for special olympic athletes, but it helps us be a part of something bigger than ourselves and this is important to have in life. Everyone is our chapter enjoys giving back to the organization that has given us all so much.”
The Special Olympics of Wisconsin travels all over the state, putting on events to raise money for the Special Olympics. Their goal this year is one million dollars, and so far, they are on track to meet it.
There are more ways to contribute to the cause besides jumping or donating money. The event also needs volunteers to set up and take down the decorations. Much help is necessary to make this event run as smoothly as possible.
Third-year jumper Cody Carlson shared some insight on why he jumps every year. “I jump for the Polar Plunge to support our passion for helping out the Special Olympics as much as possible, along with supporting my brothers side by side. It means the world for all of us to take a leap of faith for a good cause, and I’m grateful I have the opportunity to be a part of this every year,” said Carlson.
Polar Plunge does not only help the people that the money is going towards but also all who are participating in the event. Sigma Tau Gamma President Myles Wendland has this to say about the impact that Polar Plunge has on his chapter. “Polar Plunge has allowed Sigma Tau Gamma and myself the opportunity to give back to a special community in the Special Olympics. Polar Plunge, which is one of the biggest philanthropic events that Special Olympics holds allows the community to raise as much money to fund disabled athletes to make their dreams come true. This opportunity allowed my fraternity to find purpose in a phinathory effort on the community surrounding us.” said Wendland.
The 25th annual Polar Plunge was not just another event, It was a testament to show your devotion to support a great cause. Polar Plunge impacts so many lives through each plunge, each donations, and each volunteers commitment. The Polar Plunge continues to inspire hope, and leave behind a legacy of generosity for years to come.