Polar Plunge to chill more than 200 in Rose Pond; proceeds going to Special Olympics Michigan

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Leon Drake said he will not be phased by the brutal cold when it comes to this year’s Polar Plunge.

The Clare senior will jump Saturday into the icy waters of Rose Pond dressed as the Wicked Witch from The Wizard of Oz.

The fourth annual Polar Plunge is set for 11:30 a.m., with all proceeds going toward Special Olympics Michigan.

“It’s not much fun jumping into that lake,” said Drake, who has participated for each of the last four years. “It’s a great cause. I’m glad to raise money for it.”

Entrants must raise $50 in donations before they can take the plunge. More than 200 people have already registered, up from around 125 last year.

Joel Warner, Polar Plunge coordinator and Information Systems Manager for Special Olympics Michigan, expects about 230 people to participate.

Proceeds from the event will help athletes compete in the statewide Summer Games for Special Olympics Michigan. Participants have to raise $50 to compete in the games, a cost defrayed from the $400 to $600 they would otherwise have to gather.

“The money raised at the plunge helps to offset the cost of the state Summer Games, as well as other statewide competitions,” Warner said.

While the minimum donation is $50, the event averaged $220 per person last year, Warner said. He expects a similar total this year.

Despite the perceived danger of jumping into freezing water, Warner said he has never heard of a participant suffering ill effects in the eight or nine years the state has had plunges.

“It’s more psychological than physical. The most cold that you get is waiting for your turn to jump in,” he said.

CMU is competing with Western Michigan University to see who can raise the most money.

“(Students should come) to support Special Olympics Michigan athletes and to have fun,” said Kimberly Purdy, public relations manager for Special Olympics Michigan. “We’re encouraging students to come out so CMU beats Western.”

Registration starts at 10:30 a.m. Costume awards will be handed out at a Post Plunge Party at The Cabin, 930 W. Broomfield St., starting at 12:30 p.m. Participants receive free food and pizza, and it costs $5 for non-participants.