One Plunge Down, 18 More to Go

By Thomas Tibai

All around Michigan, volunteers can take the plunge this winter season. With 18 Polar Plunge sites remaining, residents across Michigan can help raise money for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in a fun and crazy way.

On Feb. 6, 2010, volunteers have the chance to dress up in wacky customs and take the plunge in Stanton (Clifford Lake Inn) and Muskegon (Shoreline Inn). Each site is unique and exciting in its own way, but both sites have the same intentions for raising funds to support our Special Olympics Michigan athletes.

As of last year, the community of Stanton participated in their first Polar Plunge. With 34 willing plungers, Jim Dennis believes the number of plungers will increase which was their main goal for this year. Dennis said, “With local competitions among businesses and schools, our numbers should hopefully reach anywhere from 80 to 100 plungers.”

Anyone who shows support for their school at the Polar Plunge will be counted as a participant and the winning school will take back to their district an Olympic Torch Trophy and of course, bragging rights. The rules are easy; the more people you have showing support and participating, the better chances in winning.

Along with Stanton, Muskegon too has a goal. Starting only 6 years ago with 17 plungers, Muskegon has grown into a well established plunging site. Just this past year, the Polar Plunge site had the privilege of 122 plungers participating.

Debbie Fuller, from Muskegon said, “Our goal this year is 150 plungers.” She said “I would love more people to come out, because these plunges mean so much to the athletes and it’s just such a wonderful cause.”

Stanton and Muskegon are just a few locations participants can plunge at. Other sites include: Alpena, Ann Arbor, Belleville, Cheboygan, Detroit, Fenton, Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Marquette, Mecosta/Osceola, Mount Pleasant, Pinckney, Saginaw/Bay City, and Traverse City.

For more information on sites and how to participate, visit www.somi.org.

Special thanks go out to all the Lansing Sponsors:

Statewide Sponsors: Real Estate One and Charter Communications

Site Sponsors: Eagle Eye Golf Club, Leo’s Lodge, Skyline Outdoor Advertising, Playmakers, RHC (Responsible Hospitality Council), ParrotHead, Dean Transportation Inc., Life Touch, FOP 141, Holmes Photography, Jackson National Life Insurance Company, Dart and Buffalo Wild Wings

Media Sponsors: 10 News- WILX, WLNS-TV6 and Q106 Radio

Posted: 2010-01-27