FEBRUARY IS POLAR PLUNGE MONTH!

Fort Wayne residents jump into Mirror Lake at USF

Fort Wayne-area residents will soon be braving the chill for a warm-hearted cause with a wintry dip into Mirror Lake at the University of St. Francis. On Saturday, February 16, they’ll take part in a wacky winter fundraising event called the Polar Plunge presented by Edy’s Grand Ice Cream to benefit Special Olympics Indiana. The event raises vital funds for Special Olympics Indiana programs in Allen County and across the state.

In 2008, the Polar Plunge celebrates its ninth year in Indiana and its first in the Fort Wayne area. Hundreds of Hoosiers turn out each year for the gutsy event in cities across the state. The Fort Wayne event is one of eight Polar Plunge events in Indiana in 2008. Last year, Polar Plunge events raised approximately $150,000 for Special Olympics Indiana statewide.

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“People all over Indiana are fans of Special Olympics,” said Michael Furnish, President / CEO of Special Olympics Indiana. “They know about our program and believe in our cause. An event like the Polar Plunge presents people with an opportunity to make this support official by getting involved in a fun activity that really makes a difference in the lives of our deserving athletes.”

Participants are urged to sign up online for the Polar Plunge at www.firstgiving.com/soindiana <www.firstgiving.com/soindiana>. Each participant must raise at least $75 to take the plunge, and all funds raised by the event benefit Special Olympics Indiana. Participants can also earn incentive prizes at designated fundraising levels (view prizes at www.soindiana.org <www.soindiana.org/>).

On February 16, walk-up registration will begin at 12 p.m. at Mirror Lake (University of St. Francis outside Pope John Paul Building, 2701 Spring Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46804). The Polar Plunge will kick off at 1 p.m. with an opening ceremony featuring a costume contest and the lighting of the Special Olympics Indiana “Flame of Hope” by a local Special Olympics Indiana athlete. After the ceremony, participants will take to the water.

Plungers are invited to warm up afterward at the After Splash Bash party, which features complimentary hot food and beverages and begins at 1:45 p.m (Hutzell Athletic Complex Lobby). Guests are welcome to attend for a donation of $5 to Special Olympics Indiana.

Special thanks to Edy’s Grand Ice Cream, the statewide presenting sponsor of the 2008 Polar Plunge presented by Edy’s Grand Ice Cream to benefit Special Olympics Indiana. Additional thanks to MediaSauce and the Indiana Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics for their event sponsorship.

For more information about the Polar Plunge, call (317) 328-2000 or visit Special Olympics Indiana online at www.soindiana.org <www.soindiana.org/>.