The nonprofit organization Haywood Waterways Association and Lake Junaluska Assembly is seeking participants and sponsors for its 4th annual Polar Plunge Benefit-t-ting Kids in the Creek and Youth Education. The event takes place February 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lake Junaluska beach near Waynesville.
“There will be over 100 brave and maybe slightly crazy people jumping into Lake Junaluska to raise money for a great cause,” says Bill Eaker, Fundraising Committee Chairman for the Haywood Waterways Association, which works to protect streams, rivers and other bodies of water in the region.
“We have a few dignitaries plunging including a State Legislator, town manager, planner and police chief,” adds eaker. “Jason Boyer, Chief Meteorologist with WLOS, is our emcee and will be plunging too!”
All ages are welcome to participate, though parents must sign a liability waiver for children. Costumes are encouraged. Prizes will be awarded to the top three individual fundraisers, the top school and community team fundraisers and for the three best costumes.
Those interested in participating in this year’s plunge can register at crowdrise.com/4thannualpolarplunge. The cost of registration is 25 dollars; registration fees will be waived for those raising the equivalent or more in sponsorships. All plungers will receive a free t-shirt and chili lunch.
For those who would rather sponsor someone else to jump into the frigid waters on their behalf, donations can be made via credit card at crowdrise.com/4thannualpolarplunge or by check made out to the HWA. Cash donations will also be accepted on-site and are tax-deductible.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Kids in the Creek Program, held each fall in Haywood County. “Kids in the Creek is a highly effective tool for bringing out environmentally responsible behaviors in kids,” says Eaker. “Every eighth grader in the County goes through the program.”
For more information on the 4th annual Polar Plunge Benefit-t-ting Kids in the Creek and Youth Education, visit crowdrise.com/4thannualpolarplunge or by contacting Haywood Waterways at 828-476-4667 or info@haywoodwaterways.org.
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