CMU Polar Plunge raises money Saturday for Special Olympics Michigan
Below freezing temperatures and 34-degree water weren’t enough to stop more than 150 people from supporting Special Olympics Michigan Saturday.
The 13th annual CMU Polar Plunge was held at Rose Pond across from the Student Activity Center Saturday afternoon. It is tradition for participants to be in costume as they jump into the water, and this year costumes ranged from 1980s fitness instructors to Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.
Proceeds from the event are donated to the fund that makes Special Olympics Michigan possible. The statewide goal is to raise $1 million.
First-time jumpers and Ontonagon seniors Hannah Axley and Lauren Siren supported the cause, dressed as owls.
“In the future, I will be working within the special needs field, and I love how this cause supports it,” Siren said. “Which is why when Hannah asked me to do the Polar Plunge with her, it didn’t take much convincing.”
CMU alum Melissa Kleiman has a close connection with the cause. She works in special education at the Clare-Gladwin school district.
Kleiman plunged dressed as Miss America hand-in-hand with one of her students, who dressed as a cheerleader.
“The water was freezing; it felt like pins and needles, but it was totally worth it,” Kleiman said. “I will definitely do it next year. It’s for a great cause, and everyone is in good spirit.”
Many different groups around campus and the community came out to participate in the jump, including CMU clubs, Greek Life organizations, restaurants and businesses.
The Alpha Sigma Tau sorority showed its enthusiasm for the event by dressing as Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.
“We had eight girls who wanted to participate in the jump, which is why we decided on the idea of the seven dwarves and Snow White as our costume,” Commerce Township senior Lena Scarpace said. “In our sorority, we take philanthropies very seriously, and we always strive to be active within our community and on CMU’s campus.”
Although the plunge left participants freezing, Florida sophomore Priscilla Black said she had a feeling of satisfaction swept over her after she jumped.
“It was definitely worth it,” she said. “I admire the Special Olympics very much … They are champions, and this is a great way to do something for them.”
