Volunteers sought for annual Minneapolis Polar Bear Plunge

If “do something a little crazy” is on your bucket list, consider signing up for the 2012 Polar Bear Plunge. Jumping into Lake Calhoun through a hole in the ice will likely make for the coldest moment of your life — but you’ll also be raising money for Special Olympics Minnesota.

If you’d like to take the plunge or just watch folks jump into the icy water, mark your calendar for Saturday, March 3. That’s the date of the sixth annual Polar Bear Plunge sponsored by the Minneapolis Police Department, Minneapolis Park Police, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, the University of Minnesota Police Department and Metro Transit Police

Last year’s Minneapolis Polar Bear Plunge raised more than $634,000 for Special Olympics Minnesota, an organization that offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round sports training and competition opportunities. With 3,076 jumpers, last year’s Minneapolis event also set a new participation record.

This year’s event, which begins at 11 a.m., will be held at Thomas Beach, Thomas Ave. S. and West Calhoun Parkway.

To register as an individual or as a team of coworkers, friends or club members, visit www.plungemn.org, e-mail polarbearplunge@somn.org or call (800) 783-7732.  Each participant must raise at least $75.

Volunteers (who can stay warm and dry) are needed to help set up the plunge site, manage crowds and assist with clean-up after the event.  If you’d like to volunteer, please contact Lynn Cronquist at lynn.cronquist@minneapolismn.gov, Kari Schmitz at kari.schmitz@minneapolismn.gov or Rich Sheldon at rich.sheldon@minneapolismn.gov.

 

 

Published Feb. 15, 2012