'Freezin' for a reason' 2024 Mat-Su Plunge draws over 40 jumpers

WASILLA — The 2024 Mat-Su Plunge drew over 40 jumpers from across the state and beyond who bravely leaped into the frigid waters of Finger Lake Saturday, Feb. Feb. 17.

The Mat-Su Plunge is the culminating event of Mat-Su Sertoma's annual fundraiser that invites community members to raise money to reach donation goals prior to jumping in the cold water near the Palmer Elks Lodge. The longtime slogan for this event is: "freezin' for a reason."

According to the Mat-Su Sertoma website, individuals are asked to raise $100 or more and teams are asked to raise $100 or more per person.

Mat-Su Sertoma Charter President Jean Stanefski said they were able to raise about $9,000 for this year's fundraiser.

"It was a great success," Stanefski said.

Stanefski said that she was thrilled that over 40 jumpers participated in the 2024 Mat-Su Plunge which was an increase from last year. She said they had an average of 60 jumpers prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic, and she hopes they can continue this upward trend back to normalcy.

"We're building back up and recovering off COVD like everyone else," Stanefski said. "We would definitely like to get back to that amount again. It would be awesome."

This year's Plunge featured visiting Sertoma dignitaries such as Sertoma Mountain West Director David Oppenheim and Sertoma Executive Director Jason Camis.

"It was nice to have some national representation," Stanefski said.

Camis was joined by his daughter Luciana who courageously jumped in the cold Lake with him.

"This is awesome. It's a great way to earn money for a good cause," Camis said.

According to Stanefski, the Plunge is Mat-Su Sertoma's largest fundraiser of the year. She said all the money raised stays in the Valley and helps their various efforts involving hearing health

Some examples of Mat-Su Sertoma's community efforts include awarding scholarships to local students who are deaf or hard of hearing as well as students pursuing careers in fields that involve hearing health.

Mat-Su Sertoma offers free health screenings throughout the year. Screenings are conducted at FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Center in Wasilla. For upcoming screening dates, visit the Mat-Su Sertoma website.

It's common for Mat-Su Plunge participants to put on costumes the day of the event. Those spectating the event can see a variety of colorful characters ranging from superheroes and pop culture icons to fuzzy animals and homemade outfits.

"It's so exciting. It just brings the community together. We look forward to it every year," Stanefski said. "It's so much fun to see what people come up with. Over the years, we've had some amazing costumes."

Individuals and teams have the opportunity to receive the Golden Plunger Award for raising the most money or having the most popular costumes. The award is an actual plunger that shines bright thanks to a coating of gold spray paint. It serves as a point of pride for community minded jumpers or perhaps something more practical down the road.

"In an emergency it serves as functional piece of equipment," Stanefski said with a laugh.

Various community groups and organizations come together to help make the Mat-Su Plunge happen each year.

Mat-Su Borough Water Rescue Team members are onsite each year to ensure the safety of all participants.

Gage Tree Service cut the hole in the ice that participants jumped in.

Arctic Home Living offers the hot tub that jumpers use to warm up after climbing out of the cold lake.

"It's really awesome to have the support we get," Stanefski said. "We hope to build that."

Mat-Su Sertoma is a local chapter that's blanketed under Sertoma International, a worldwide service club that focuses on improving the lives of those who are at risk or impacted by hearing loss through education and various forms of assistance.

Stanefski said that Mat-Su Sertoma is actively seeking members to aid their overall efforts in the community.

"We would love to have more people join us,"

For more information, visit matsuhearing.org

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com