By Patricia Hall, FairfaxFamilyFun.com
Do you find winter weather “balmy?” Are you willing to do something wild and wacky for a good cause? Each winter, some brave, good-humored, or good-natured souls jump into a bitterly cold waters for a good cause: to help one of the area “polar plunge” or “polar dip” events that benefit charitable organizations. Coming up over the next few weeks in 2017 are the Polar Bear Plunge at National Harbor on January 28, the Virginia Polar Dip in Reston on February 11, and the Northern Virginia Polar Plunge in Dumfries on February 25.
These events entail exactly what their titles imply: participants take a quick jump into a body of frigid water, their bravery rewarded with donations from friends, family, and coworkers to a particular charity. With the Virginia Polar Dip, proceeds go to Camp Sunshine at Lake Sebago in Maine, a year-round retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The Polar Bear Plunge benefits the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, and the Northern Virginia Polar Plunge is a fundraiser for Special Olympics.
The events are also fun-filled, all-ages festivals, with activities and entertainment before and after the plunge and, often times, wacky outfits by participants. They’re also safe events: participants jump into shallow waters and there are always rescue personnel and other first-responsders on hand in case of emergencies. Ready to “take the plunge?” See the links below for information on each event:
Saturday, January 28: Polar Bear Plunge at National Harbor, Oxon Hill, Maryland (9 am to 1 pm)
Saturday, February11 : Virginia Polar Dip at Lake Anne Plaza, Reston, Virginia (2 pm)
Saturday, February 25: Northern Virginia Polar Plunge at Tim’s Rivershore Restaurant, Dumfries, VA (2 pm)
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