‘Freezing’ fundraiser planned

The Polar Plunge will benefit people like Eugene Malkin, a Special Olympian who is also a CDS client.

Alisse Kirk of Martin said the task of raising funds to take Olympians to the regional and state Special Olympic games was her way of giving back.
After having worked with CDS clients, Kirk said she has had an opportunity to see the smiles on participants’ faces when they have a chance to compete in events designed to boost spirits.
As assistant area director of Area 7 for the Tennessee Special Olympics, the task of getting athletes to the games is a challenge she is tackling head first.
Area 7 serves people with developmental disabilities from Weakley, Obion, Henry and Lake counties.
She and her mother Mary Kay Hutchens have researched a potential fundraiser to allow people to freeze for a good cause.
The Polar Plunge is what its name represents. It is a fundraiser that is sure to provide participants with plenty of bragging rights throughout the year while giving spectators a chance to witness a first for Northwest Tennessee.
“Freezin’ for a Reason” is the slogan for the first-ever Polar Plunge in Northwest Tennessee.
Kirk said plungers can jump into the chilly pool at Aloha Pools and Spas in Union City Feb. 11. For a $50 donation, plungers can earn a T-shirt, lunch and bragging rights that day.
There are prizes that will be handed out during the event for plungers who raise the most money and awards for plungers with the best costume.
The reason plungers will be freezing: to raise money to allow nearly 250 Olympians with developmental disabilities a chance to compete in regional and state Special Olympics.
Kirk said about 150 of those athletes are clients of CDS. Local games are planned in April and from there, athletes will have the opportunity to compete at the regional and state levels. The assistant director said games always bring a smile to the athletes’ faces.
Kirk and Hutchens have researched other Polar Plunges and said the events boast a good turnout of both plungers and spectators.
People not wishing to dive into frigid water can watch the event and enjoy the warmth of chili and trimmings that day.
“We know there are people who want to help, but they would rather not jump into the water. We do need donations of bowls and spoons as well as chili if anyone is interested in making some for us to serve that day,” Kirk said.
There will also be T-shirts for sale at the event.
Interested plungers can register online at www.polarplungetn.com and follow the Union City link. There is also a Polar Plunge Facebook page.
Registration will begin at 11 a.m. with plunging to begin at noon Feb. 11 at Aloha Pools and Spas in Union City.
All proceeds will benefit Tennessee Special Olympics Area 7.
Tennessee Special Olympics serves more than 16,000 athletes.
Programs are led by volunteer teams, who recruit and train athletes and conduct local and area competitions.
Athletes have a chance to compete in more than 200 local competitions and seven state-level competitions.
“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt,” is the athlete oath.
To volunteer or to participate in the Polar Plunge, contact Kirk at 571-5152 or Hutchens at 431-2776. Email the pair at area7so@gmail.com.

WCP 1.17.12