Polar Bear Plunge to bring funds for Habitat for Humanity

Published 8:35 pm Tuesday, January 7, 2020

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The Polar Bear Plunge is coming to Troy and it’s anybody’s game.

At 9 a.m., Saturday, January 25, polar bear wannabes will circle the outdoor pool at the Troy Recreation Center and, when the whistle blows they will plunge into the icy water.

Those who participate in the Polar Bear Plunge will brave the icy water in support of Troy/Pike Habitat for Humanity, said Dianna Lee, Habitat board member and public relations and fundraising chair.

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“The Polar Bear Plunge is a fundraiser for Habitat and already a lot of excitement is being generated,” Lee said. “One person was asking for a wetsuit for Christmas so he could take the Polar Bear Plunge.”

Anyone over the age of 18 who would like to have the fun and notoriety of taking the Polar Bear Plunge may do so for a donation of $25. All Polar Bear Plungers will receive an event T-shirt, a plush polar bear and other goodies in a bag.

“To help defray the cost of the Troy/Pike Habitat for Humanity fundraising event, we are offering corporate sponsorships for $100, $200 and $300,” Lee said. “With the sponsorships come Polar Bear Plunge T-shirts, advertising and the fun of being a part of Polar Bear Plunge. The corporate sponsorships also come with the opportunity to have a representative in the plunge.

The $100 Ice Cube Sponsorships include two T-shirts with the company name and the company name on all advertising.

The $200 Icicle Sponsorships include three T-shirts with the company logo and the company logo on advertising.

The $300 Ice Berg Sponsorships include five T-Shirts with the company logo, the company logo on advertising and sponsorship acknowledgement.

Lee said Polar Bear Plunges occur often all around the country. Some polar bears plunge into ice covered lakes, some in oceans and some in swimming pools and for different good causes.

The Troy/Pike Habitat for Humanity Polar Bear Plunge will raise funds that will help reduce the cost of the Habitat homes built here in Pike County.

There are currently 18 Habitat for Humanity homes in Pike County. The latest home is on Barron Road and the family has moved in, Lee said.

“These are not free homes; they are no-interest mortgages and the families invest sweat-equity in their homes,” Lee said. “They also must help with the construction of another home. So, the money raised through the Polar Bear Plunge will help make homes more affordable for people in Pike County who want and need a home.”

Because this is a new fundraiser for Troy/Pike Habitat for Humanity, no fund-raising goal has been set. However, Lee said $5,000 would be a great ice breaker.

If there are more polar bears than can circle the Troy Recreation Center on Saturday morning, January 25, in one plunging, plans are being made for a Polar Bear wave.

Hot chocolate will be served to the polar bears, heating units will be round about and warm towels will be available for rent.

For more information, call Dianna Lee at 334-807-5113.