Shivering For a Good Cause
Elaura Rifkin
Screams, laughter, and even the occasional obscenity erupted from Maurie Jacobs Park on Saturday as an estimated 300 brave Eugene residents ran straight into the Willamette River as part of the 3rd annual Polar Plunge. The ‘plungers’, as they call themselves, each raised a minimum of fifty dollars to participate in the event, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to Special Olympics Oregon.
Attendance was at an all-time high this year, according to Polar Plunge organizer Allison Ellermeier, with donations topping $30,000 dollars. The Polar Plunge is not simply a fundraising effort, “law enforcement around the country raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Oregon,” said Ellermeier.
Although some were shivering uncontrollably, once they ran out of the Willamette river, onto the safety and relative warmth of dry land, most seemed to be pleased to have participated in the event that raised funds for such a worthy cause.
“It was fun,” said a woman from a group of participants representing the University of Oregon Law School. “It was very cold, but very fun”
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