News release from IPFW:
Polar Plunge Fundraiser Comes to IPFW’s Student Housing on February 13
(February 11, 2016) — Residents of Fort Wayne and surrounding communities are taking the cold weather literally Saturday, February 13, as they brave the wintry waters for the first-ever IPFW 2016 Polar Plunge®, benefiting Special Olympics Indiana. On-site registration (including walk-ups) will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Student Housing Clubhouse on the IPFW Campus (4010 W Housing Dr.) The Plunge will begin at noon near the Clubhouse.
“IPSGA is pleased and honored to be ‘Freezin’ for a Reason’ for the 2016 IPFW Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics of Indiana,” said Victoria Spencer, student government coordinator in Student Life and Leadership. “They provide training and competition opportunities for over 11,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the state of Indiana alone. So far we have raised over $3,700 that will go to support Special Olympics programs across the state, but we still have a long way to go.”
As the signature fundraising event for Special Olympics Indiana, the Polar Plunge invites Hoosiers to be “Freezin’ for a Reason” by raising funds for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Participants will take the plunge at one of 16 sites throughout the state during the months of January and February, with the largest Plunge culminating at Eagle Creek Beach in Indianapolis Saturday, March 5. Last year, the Polar Plunge season raised more than $600,000 for Special Olympics Indiana. “The Polar Plunge not only raises money to benefit more than 11,000 Special Olympics athletes around the state, but promotes awareness of our mission,” shared Michael Furnish, Special Olympics Indiana president and CEO. “Events such as this unify the community, which is incredible!”
In order to plunge, participants must raise a “bear” minimum of $75 ($50 minimum with a student ID). Awards are given for those who raise the most funds for Special Olympics Indiana. The event also includes prizes for the best costume, incentives for dollars raised, and an After Splash Bash. The After Splash Bash invites plungers to warm up immediately afterward in the Student Housing Clubhouse. While complimentary hot food and beverages will be available for plungers, a nominal $5 fee will be charged for guests to partake of food and beverages.
While waiting to plunge, participants can snap pictures at the plunge photo booth and take photos with the official Polar Plunge mascot, Paw R. Bear. Participants can tag their photos using #IPFWPlunge for a chance to appear on the live social media feed at the event. Photographs of plunging participants will also be uploaded to social media shortly after their plunge.
The Polar Plunge events are presented by the Indiana Law Enforcement Torch Run® to benefit Special Olympics. For more information about the Polar Plunge event in Fort Wayne and to register to participate or support other plungers, please visit the Special Olympics Indiana website or call 317-328-2000.
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