Valparaiso University is Polar Plunging to help Special Olympics

2011-Polar-PlungeSign-ups are under way for the January 29th, 2011 Valpo Plunge

Register now for the first Polar Plunge at Valpo. The event starts at 8 a.m. in the main lobby at the Athletics Recreation Center (ARC), after registration you move to a changing and staging area in the ARC. At 9 a.m. the Plunge will begin outside the ARC by the Victory Bell. Plungers will enter a 16-foot pool with water temperatures about 50 to 55 degrees, and then attend an After Slash Bash with music and hot food. There will also be a silent auction for tickets to the Butler vs VU game. The game will be later in the day.

All proceeds from the event will benefit local Special Olympics Indiana; this is Special Olympics signature fundraising event. Valpo’s plunge goal is to raise $10,000.

Participants are asked to raise a minimum of $75, or $50 with student ID’s. You can plunge as an individual or team. To register go to www.soindiana.org , click on the Polar Plunge link, and then Valparaiso. You can also register at the plunge site from 8 to 9 am, just before the plunge. If you cannot plunge and want to donate, go to the same web site and donate.

VU’s Assistant Chief of Police, Chuck Garber, said he will be “Freezin’ For A Reason”. He plans on plunging in his police uniform and is urging all police officers, firefighters, and EMS to take the plunge for this great cause. Garber said, “maybe we can get some friendly competition between police, fire, and EMS departments, our team is called the VUPDCOPSICLES”.

At the After Splash Bash, the Participants will receive hot food, others can attend the Bash for $5, and awards will be presented then.

Chief Garber, a co-director of the plunge, said, he is the Crusader Pep Band’s staff advisor and one of their drummers. Garber said, “I enjoying working with our VU Students. I have always wanted our police department to bring something fun and a little crazy to our students. This is it!” Sgt James Dillon, co-director, joined Garber with the cause and also plans on plunging in his uniform. Dillon is a Law Student at VU and is a father of a one year old. For more information on the Plunge contact james.dillon@valpo.edu or Charles.garberjr@valpo.edu