On February 27th, 17 RB students took the plunge into the chilly waters of Lake Michigan to raise money for the Special Olympics. After facing the disappointment of the event’s cancellation last year due to dangerous waters, RB’s participants were excited to have this opportunity.
“The Polar Plunge raises money for a good cause and it’s something you don’t get to do everyday,” said junior Rachel Powell.
The participants had to raise a minimum of $75 in order to plunge and many RB students raised well over that amount. Sophomore Bridget Brewer was the top person, collecting $405.
“I’m really into Best Buddies and Special Olympics and I wanted to help out however I could,” said Brewer.
Altogether, Team Bulldog (the group’s chosen name for the plunge) raised over $1,500 for the cause and donations are still being collected through March 24th.
The RB participants plunged at Northwestern’s campus, one of the many sites in Illinois that hosted a Polar Plunge.
“Plungers” ran five at a time into a dug out pool of lake water on the beach. The participants’ family and friends, as well as the media stood around the pool to cheer them on and take pictures.
“It was cold and it was a bigger shock then I expected,” said junior Tyler Radek, “When we got out our hair immediately froze.”
There was also a costume contest held before the plunge. The particpants lined up to show off their creativity. The group that won was able to plunge first.
After the plunge had concluded, all of the participants and their friends and family were invited to a pizza party at a local restaurant. Team Bulldog is excited for the Special Olympics season that has already begun and is already looking forward to next year’s Polar Plunge.
“I’m definitely participating next year,” said Radek, “I’m hoping to get more people involved with it too.”
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