PITTSBORO — Making its biggest splash yet, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office’s annual Polar Plunge, held Saturday morning, Feb. 25, raised more money than ever before due to the efforts of a record-setting number of participants.
With an enthusiastic crowd cheering them on, 15 teams comprised of 125 people leapt into Jordan Lake, raising money and awareness for Special Olympics of North Carolina.
The fundraiser generated more than $23,000 in donations from individuals and businesses, well exceeding the event’s goal of $15,000. Sponsors donated various amounts and everyone taking the plunge pledged at least $50 to participate.
Chatham County Sheriff’s Office Special Olympics Coordinator Chris Cooper was extremely pleased with this year’s Polar Plunge.
“Our goal was to raise money for an amazing cause, and our sponsors and Polar Plungers definitely delivered above and beyond our goal,” Cooper said, also expressing his gratitude to Mark Jacobson Toyota, an event sponsor; Chatham County Schools; NC State Parks; North Chatham Fire Department; and FirstHealth EMS for their support.
It’s not called a “polar plunge” for nothing. With Saturday’s air temperature hovering around the 50-degree mark, and the water greeting plungers at Jordan Lake’s Seaforth Beach no warmer, the experience was bracing, challenging and chilly; but it also came with great reward.
“Honestly, I don’t think you can really prepare for it,” said Lindsey Vickers, a freshman at Meredith College and a veteran of previous Polar Plunges while a student at Northwood High School. “You know it’s going to be cold, but when you get in the water it completely shocks you. It’s crazy, but it’s also super fun.” Vickers raised $925 and organized and led her team, the Chatham Chillers, which donned Mario Kart themed costumes, complete with cardboard vehicles.
Welcoming the large crowd to Seaforth Beach was Special Olympics N.C. Athlete and loyal supporter Dani Kinert. “It’s so awesome to see so many people here today helping out,” she said.
Accompanied by Kinert, Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson and his wife Annette, per long-standing tradition, were the first team in the water.
“The support for this event has been incredible,” Sheriff Roberson said, noting that it has grown larger every year, generating more participation and raising more funds. “This is one of our most fun events and one of our most important because it helps makes Special Olympics events possible not just here in Chatham County but throughout the state. This is a real community event. This isn’t the Sheriff’s Office raising money. This is the community raising money.”
James Larkin, along with several of his co-workers from Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. in Raleigh, was among those who took the plunge. Larkin praised every aspect of the event. “First, the event itself and what it’s supporting -- raising money for Special Olympics — is great and obviously a great cause,” he said. “But second, the actual activity of jumping in the cold water is very exhilarating and good for you. And it’s great fun to mingle and meet so many nice people.”
Trophies were given to teams and individuals in a variety of categories, including a Youngest Plunger medal given to 5-year-old Adley Robinson; Oldest Plunger, 65-year-old Andres Perez; Best Team Costumes, the Chatham Chillers; Best Individual Costume, Dani Kinert; Top Team Fundraiser, Chatham Charter School; Top Fundraiser Cool School, Chatham Charter School; Top Participation Cool School, Seaforth High School (15 participants); and Top Individual Fundraiser, Katie Scotten.
Saturday was the fourth Polar Plunge for Scotten, a 3rd grader teacher at Chatham Charter School. “I just obviously have a love for kids,” she said, describing her ongoing interest in participating, “but I think any time you can give back to anything, especially a good cause like Special Olympics, it’s a great thing to do. We have a great school community and it’s so great to get so many people involved and raise money for a great cause.”