They look pretty whacky as they run like lemmings into the frigid Atlantic Ocean dressed in ridiculous costumes and laughing themselves giddy.
But, for all the hilarity and fun, Jordan Hospital’s Polar Plunge is serious business, raising $600,000 in the last seven years to benefit The Jordan Hospital Club Cancer Center.
“The money has been used for everything from upgrading equipment to improving the quality of care,” Jordan Club Plunge Committee Chairman Catherine McKenna said. “We’ve definitely seen an increase in Plungers. The first year, there were 250, and last year there were more than 600.”
For the uninitiated, the Polar Plunge may not sound like much fun. But it’s impossible to find anyone who has attended and participated who doesn’t rave about it, even if they chicken out the following year.
At precisely noon, Saturday, March 6, hundreds of Plungers will race into the screaming cold Atlantic Ocean for a quick dip. Some will submerse themselves, dunking their heads fully under the waves. Other, more timid folk, will run in up to their calves, thighs or waist and head right back out where dry towels and clothing await.
It is a festive atmosphere for those who not only enjoy the challenge and thrill, but are also delighted they can contribute to a worthy cause that helps cancer patients through difficult times.
Registration starts at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 6, at Plymouth Beach. A safety briefing will begin at 11:45 a.m. and, minutes before noon, the countdown will begin. Registration is free and parking is available at Plimoth Plantation, where the Plymouth Rock Trolley will pick up Plungers and their fans to take them to the beach, and carry them back to their cars after the Plunge.
Plungers may also preregister online at www.jordanspolarplunge.com or call McKenna at 508-746-0103. All plungers are required to sign a waiver.
Plungers who raise $60 will receive a free T-shirt. Those who raise $500 will be awarded a T-shirt and a sweatshirt. And plungers who reach the $1,000-plus mark will get a T-shirt and a fleece vest.
“This is a really fun event,” McKenna added. “It benefits the Cancer Center directly. It’s just a wonderful thing to do. If people just want to give, this is a fun, kooky way to do it.”
The after plunge party begins at 12:30 p.m. at Cabby Shack on Town Wharf, where food, music and an award ceremony will be on tap.
