The reaction of the plungers as they came out of the pool at Friday's Polar Bear Plunge could best be summarized in one word -- "freezing."
"I am as cold as they are in Siberia on a cold day," senior Patrick Burns said as he came out of the near-freezing pool outside the Student Recreational Sports Center, "with a slight breeze blowing from the north."
According to a news release from Special Olympics Indiana, the Bloomington Polar Bear Plunge is one of five such events to be held throughout the state in 2007. Presented by Edy's Grand Ice Cream, the event showcased just what the organizers expected -- which was, according to the release, "dozens of brave souls turning out for a gutsy plunge into a temporary outdoor swimming pool to raise funds for Special Olympics Indiana."
"Polar Bear Plunge has existed in Bloomington for five years as part of a nationwide fundraiser," said Joy Mahoney, public relations coordinator for Special Olympics Indiana.
Mahoney was excited at the turnout of more than 100 plungers from the IU campus and the Bloomington community. To participate, plungers had to raise at least $60 in pledges.
The group is still taking donations, but as of Saturday, the event raised more than $8,000, said Ben Smith, one of the organizers.
"People take the plunge for several reasons," Mahoney said. "One, it's crazy and people can say they did it. Two, it gives people a great conversation starter. Sometimes, they do it for bets. But most importantly, knowing that it would fund sports and the satisfaction they get from a good cause."
