MARQUETTE, MI. (WZMQ)—Every year on Saint Patty’s Day weekend, the Polar Plunge Fundraiser is held at the UP North Lodge. This fundraiser started 18 years ago as a fun, crazy way to raise money and has grown into a tradition.
This year around 100 participants jumped, all ages with the year having the youngest jumper at 5 years old. All funds raised in the fundraiser go towards the Special Olympics year-round training for over 22,000 athletes.
Participants who raised over $100 for the fundraiser are given food and drinks as well and all participants get so much-needed sauna time after they jump. With the weird weather this year, setting up the pool took some relocating but no matter the conditions these plungers are jumping.
“The crazy costumes, what their gonna come up with, people come up with the zainiest ideas and how they fundraise people come up with really great ideas on how to raise fund for the cause and just seeing everyone come together and out athletics plunging and raising money, I mean, if our athletes can plung and raise money, anybody can do it,” said Carla White, Polar Plunge Organizer.
Donations are still being accepted and can be sent on the Polar Plunge website, and if you would like to participate next year details can be found also on the Polar Plunge website.
