Local Polar Plunge racks up $62K

Despite cooler temperatures and some sporadic showers, an enthusiastic crowd converged on the shores of Folsom Lake near Brown's Ravine for the annual Polar Plunge Saturday morning. Some attendees were volunteers, others were vendors, law enforcement, media members and spectators. Then, the largest group is best described as brave souls with big hearts, also known as polar plungers who came out to support the Greater Sacramento Special Olympics of Northern California. Saturday was the first time in two years that this longtime charitable event took place in person. Although it went dry during restrictions the last two years, it certainly did not lose the interest of the community that came out on a 50-degree day to plunge into waters that were even a few degrees colder. The annual Polar Plunge is much more than a quick dip in the lake. The event includes a good share of festivities. Listening to the sounds of Johnny Cash performed by local musician Bobby Dickson, attendees had the opportunity to play outdoor games at lakeside, enjoy snacks, beverages and camaraderie before the real fun began.When one hears the term polar plunge, it's easy to imagine participants trading their warm clothing for bathing suits and getting it over with. Not when it comes to this event. It all starts with an entertaining costume contest as most participants dress in some type of wacky attire or uniforms to participate. Saturday saw a menagerie of different fashion statements. From the leprechauns of the California Department of Correction (CDCR) to the Sacramento Probation Penguin, plunging minions and more. There was even a trio dressed as bananas, who quickly learned that bananas don't float. Others showed up in the uniforms many are used to seeing them in to take the plunge, including the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, Sacramento Police, members of El Dorado Hills Fire and the Granite Bay Mountain Bike Team, who were just a few of the many standouts. To top it all off, these participants actually pay to plunge, with the money benefiting the Special Olympics of Northern California. Individuals fundraised or paid at least $125 for the experience of plunging into the chilly waters to support some 24,000 Special Olympics athletes in the way of year-round sports training, health initiatives, education and leadership programs throughout Northern California. Others competed as teams to encourage friends and co-workers to join the cause. This results in additional fundraising, as well has having a few buddies to join you in the daring dip. Local meteorologist and news personality Melanie Hunter was the emcee for the event. Hunter has long been involved with the Special Olympics of Greater Sacramento and was part of the planning committee for the event. "We are so excited to have everyone back out here again, "said Hunter as she greeted the eager crowd of participants and attendees "We have more than 120 plungers here today."Hunter introduced Jonathan Sparks to the crowd. Sparks has been part of the Special Olympics as a participant and a volunteer for nearly 40 years and was a final leg participant in the world finals. Sparks performed the National Anthem that was followed by a helicopter flyover and landing by the agency, the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office and the Placer County Sheriff's Office.After the festivities, it was off to lakeside where the plungers got up close and personal with the chilly wet waters to the cheers of volunteers, supporters and Special Olympic athletes who lined the shore. On Saturday, 123 individuals registered for the event. 21 teams competed and, as of Wednesday, the event had raised $62,945. While the actual event is over, donations are still open at www.sonc.org."We just want to say thank you to everyone that came here today, we are so excited to see all of these smiling faces again in person," said Cathy Domanski, chief development officer for Special Olympics of Northern California. " We can't thank everyone enough for their ongoing support of our organization from our volunteers and coaches to our donors, our corporate sponsors and our community, which all of you today are part of."