Patch editors from around the East Bay will be taking the plunge, literally, in March to help raise money for a great cause. Your local editors are participating in the annual Polar Plunge for Special Olympics.
According to the Special Olympics website, the Polar Plunge is a chance for teams and individuals to brave the frigid winter water to raise "awareness and funds to support free athletics year-round for children and adults with intellectual disabilities."
Editors Kari Hulac, Analisa Harangozo, Nika Megino, Autumn Johnson, Kris Noceda, Patrick Creaven and Zoneil Maharaj will take a leap into the ocean at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on March 16.
Just how far are we willing to go for Special Olympics? Put it this way: "no wet suits are allowed." Plus, the average ocean water temperature in Santa Cruz in March is a chilly 54 degrees, according to currentresults.com.
Click here to donate to team Patch Takes the Plunge.
Why the plunge this year? Besides the fact that Special Olympics strives to encourage "sportsmanship, volunteerism and acceptance," they also change lives.
The Special Olympics mission statement says it all:
"Special Olympics Northern California provides athletic opportunities to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, instilling the confidence they need to succeed in life."
Noceda, who turns 30 this year, wanted to do something memorable for his big 3-0. Johnson is asking that donations be made to the team in lieu of gifts for her birthday in February. (She is 29... again... this year if anyone asks.)
AOL and Patch, which encourage employees to volunteer in their communities up to five days a year, are starting the team off with a donation of $50 per editor in support for a total of $350 to get the ball rolling.
How can you help? Let's see just how much our readers can help us raise for this organization. Spread the word in your Patch community and donate to Special Olympics NorCal by supporting our team. Your donation to the Polar Plunge and Special Olympics is tax deductible.
Click here to donate to team Patch Takes the Plunge.
Have you ever taken the plunge? Have any tips for us newbie plungers? Tell us in the comments section below.
