Polar Plunge will benefit Southern Indiana Special Olympics Countdown to splash down If everyone else jumped into a freezing lake, would you do it,
too Now, what if the frigid leap was for cold, hard cash for a local charity Because at the second annual Southern Indiana Special Olympics Polar Plunge — set for Saturday morning at Deam Lake — a $75 minimum pledge goes toward funding sports training and competition in 20 different sports for area individuals with mental and physical disabilities. At least it’s freezin’ for a reason, according to the Special Olympics Indiana Web site. Registration begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at Deam Lake for the 11 a.m. event. Signage posted at the entrance to the park will direct participants to an information booth with preregistration for plungers. Plungers are encouraged to dress up in costumes for the event, and there will be a costume contest. Plungers will receive free doughnuts, coffee and hot chocolate to keep warm. Depending on the level of donation, plungers also will receive T-shirts, beach towels and jackets. The Southern Indiana Special Olympics fundraiser will raise money for Special Olympics programs in 13 Indiana counties, including Clark and Floyd, said Shannon Bline, public relations representative for Special Olympics Indiana. Last year, the event raised $35,000, Bline said. Bline’s husband and son both participate in the event, she said. “It’s very cold,” said Danny Bline, Shannon’s husband. “It’s all for a good cause.” Danny Bline recommended avoiding layers of clothing because the more layers a plunger wears, the more soaked, chilly clothes will have to be removed after the plunge. The Providence Home Retirement Center along Charlestown Road in New Albany will host an After-Splash Bash, where plungers and friends will be treated to food and entertainment. The bash is free to plunge participants and $5 for spectators. Chili, bean soup, corn bread and pulled-pork sandwiches will be served at the bash. Awards and door prizes will be distributed at the event. Bline also said there’s the possibility of a performance by a 4-year-old Elvis impersonator. But it depends on the child’s mood the day of the event, she said. SO YOU KNOW• WHAT: Southern Indiana Special Olympics Polar Plunge• WHEN: 11 a.m. Saturday registration starts at 9 a.m.• WHERE: Deam Lake, Ind. 60 in Clark County• ON THE WEB: www.soindiana.org/• MORE INFORMATION: Raise a minimum of $75 for Special Olympics Indiana, and you can make a splash at the Polar Plunge. Wear a goofy costume, hit the water and then warm up afterward with a bowl of chili at the After-Splash Bash in New Albany. None/ More from the Clark County (The Evening News) section