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Participants of the Lake Caroline Polar Plunge hit frigid waters to raise money for heating-assistance programs.
Susan Hafey, of Wright's Chapel United Methodist Church, reacts to the cold water of Lake Caroline. |
By KELLY HANNON
It's not every day you see the mayor of your town wearing swim trunks, with a flotation device wrapped around each arm and zinc dabbed on his nose.
The sight is even stranger in February.
David Storke, mayor of Bowling Green, proudly stepped out Saturday in swimwear, ready to take a dip in Lake Caroline. He was joined by Caroline Sheriff Tony Lippa and Maxie Rozell, chairman of the Caroline Board of Supervisors.
The men joined 34 other hardy swimmers at the third annual Polar Bear Plunge.
The winter swim raises thousands of dollars for Caroline-area residents who need heating assistance.
Organizers said the need may be greater than ever this year, with increased home foreclosure rates and rising heating oil prices.
"I know in the winter some people don't have enough to heat their home," Storke said. "It's a wonderful fund."
The event raised $8,048 for heating assistance for Caroline area residents. Storke was the biggest individual fundraiser, raising more than $600 in pledges.
Five local churches participated. The churches will distribute the money based on referrals from the county's social services department, said Charles Tillapaugh, pastor of Wright's Chapel, a United Methodist church in Ladysmith.
Wright's Chapel started the Polar Bear Plunge three years ago. Church member and local attorney Susan Hafey did a wintertime plunge in the Susquehanna River for charity, and wanted to start a local version.
Saturday, Hafey dressed in a purple print Speedo, a tutu and leggings. "You just kind of grit your teeth and get in," Hafey said.
Most plungers dressed in costume. Pastor Tillapaugh went shirtless and donned a red wig and pig nose. This year, he remembered to take off his glasses. He lost a pair last year when he ducked underwater.
How does he handle the cold water?
"It you scream a lot, it helps," Tillapaugh said.
Last year's plunge was much colder. Organizers had to break ice that formed over the lake's surface so swimmers had room to run in.
This year, the sun was shining and the temperature was near 40 degrees at the 10:39 a.m. plunge time.
Hafey led the group to the lake's edge. Each plunger was accompanied by a buddy, who held a towel and looked out for the partner's safety. Rescue personnel were on the scene.
There was a 10-second countdown. Then, with the piercing release of an air horn, 37 people ran into Lake Caroline.
The faces said it all. After 10 seconds of dashing into the lake, and briefly going underwater, most plungers immediately swiveled back to the beach, their mouths forming O's.
Trevor Tatham, 13, said his adrenaline was pumping when he ran into the lake, so he wasn't cold at first.
Then it felt like he was being stabbed with thousands of needles, he said.
Storke survived the plunge, and said the event's title lived up to its name.
"It was cold. Let me tell you. It was very cold."
Kelly Hannon: 540/374-5436
Email: khannon@freelancestar.com
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FREEZIN' FOR A REASON
When: Saturday, Feb. 16 What: Take a dip in the Rappahannock River at the Fredericksburg City Dock to raise money for the Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation. Must be 18 to jump. Admission: Cost is $40 a person. Others can sponsor plungers at any dollar amount.Contact: Sherri Beck at 540/429-5234 SECOND ANNUAL THROW DOUG IN THE RIVER!When: Noon, Saturday, March 1 What: Join Doug Cantrell as he jumps in the Rappahannock River at Fredericksburg City Dock to raise money for the Fredericksburg Emergency Cold Night Shelter.Admission: No registration is required, and donations are accepted on the day of the event. Contact: Sponsored by Big Daddy Leather. Contact the store at 540/899-0048 if you want |
