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When the whistle blew sharply at 9 o’clock Saturday morning, 28 “wonderful, brave souls” plunged into the icy waters of the Troy Recreation Center outdoor swimming pool.

Some jumped, some dived and one cracker-jack flipped into the 48-degree water.

“The Polar Bear Plunge was absolutely wonderful,” said Diana Lee, board member and fund-raising chair for Troy/Pike Habitat for Humanity.

“The Polar Bear Plunge is an equal opportunity event and we had 28 plungers, ages 8 to 73. The Polar Bear Plungers and the event sponsors raised an early total of $4,000-for Habitat for Humanity. We are very happy with that.” 

Lee said none of the polar bear plungers chickened out.

“The plungers spaced out around the pool,” she said. “We also had EMTs spaced around the pool, if needed. When the whistle blew, they all plunged in the pool.”

However, none of the polar bear wannabees stayed in the water to play “Marco! Polo!”

The plungers exited the pool and streaked straight for the indoor heated swimming pool to unfreeze. 

“We thank all of those who took the Polar Bear Plunge and all of our sponsors,” Lee said. “Together, they made the 2020 Polar Bear Plunge a great success. And, if this year was any indication, then, absolutely, we’ll do it again next year and for several more years.”

Lee said the Polar Bear Plunge is a “cool” way to support Troy/Pike Habitat for Humanity.

“Prizes are not awarded for taking the icy plunge,” she said. “The plungers just have our undying thanks for their support of Troy/Pike Habitat for Humanity. They are wonderful, community souls.”

Donations to The Polar Bear Plunge/Troy/Pike Habitat for Humanity may be made to Lee at 334-670-7091.