Plunge to take place in Williamstown and benefit residents
The Polar Plunge typically takes place at the shore to benefit the Special Olympics where supporters raise money and run into the ocean in the middle of winter.
Scott Whyte, the co-founder of Williamstown’s nonprofit LEAD THE WAY, took the concept and made it hyper-local. On March 10 at Hospitality Creek, LEAD THE WAY will host its inaugural Polar Plunge to benefit the Monroe Township community.
“I know people go down the shore for it, but why not do it in town?” Whyte said. “I presented it to Hospitality Creek and they loved the idea. It’s a win-win situation for them, us and the community.”
If one were to take the traditional Polar Plunge, they would have to fundraise prior to going. In the case of LEAD THE WAY’s event, anyone interested in taking a dip in the lake would have to donate a one-time fee of $20 for adults or $10 for kids. Additional donations are also accepted. To sign up, visit the Facebook event “LEAD THE WAY to the Polar Plunge.” Once on the event page, there will be a place to sign up via Eventbrite.
All proceeds from the plunge will go to LEAD THE WAY. From there, it will decide who to help.
“The money raised will help fund us to continue our work in the community for feeding homeless kids, disadvantaged families, purchase clothing, it helps us be able to do what we do in the community,” Whyte said.
This event is dual-faceted, while the plunge is a fundraising effort for LEAD THE WAY, it is also a chance to bring the community together in a fun environment.
“It gets everybody out to have a little fun and try something they may have wanted to try but never had the chance. Hopefully it’s a chance to bring Williamstown together, raise some money and help some disadvantaged families in our community.” he added.
Despite it being their first year, Whyte anticipates between 50–100 participants. Registration for the plunge starts at noon on March 10. The first dip for adults will take place at 1 p.m. with kids plunging at 1:30 p.m.. Whyte added there will be some giveaways for approximately the first 50 guests to show up in addition to coffee and refreshments.
“I want to make it a fun event,” Whyte said. “It’s on some people’s bucket list, they can stay right in town and do it instead of driving to the beach.”
For more information and updates on the event, visit the Facebook page “LEAD THE WAY to the Polar Plunge.”
