Mat-Su Polar Plunge Saturday

WASILLA — Mat-Su Sertoma’s annual Mat-Su Polar Plunge is Saturday at Everett’s.

A total of 47 Valley residents are registered to jump into the icy waters of the Wasilla Lake, christening their fundraising pledges that support hearing health, education and resources across the community.

Although costumes aren’t required, they’ve become a common addition to the Mat-Su Plunge experience. Countless colorful characters campaign into the freezing waters, ranging from Bat-Man to Princess Elsa. Some people even make their own costumes.

Jumpers can even win prizes, including best costume and most funds raised. There’s even a “Scaredy Cat Award.”

The audience loves seeing what people come up with and dressing up tends to make things more fun. The public is invited to come watch, donate and support Sertoma vision for a healthier and more connected community.

Sertoma International is a national service club that revolves around hearing health. Clubs across the country strive to raise public awareness, offer education and support those whose lives can be improved through better hearing health.

Current charter president Paula Nance has been involved with the Mat-Su chapter Mat-Su Sertoma since its inception. She told the Frontiersman Sertoma’s values resonate with her deeply.

“Just keep building on positive things that are happening,” Nance said.

Mat-Su Sertoma is offering free American Sign Language classes to the public in September.

Mat Su Sertoma is dedicated to educating everyone on the importance of hearing health. Along with education, we provide free hearing screenings. This offer is open to anyone in the Mat Su Valley ages 7 and up.

Mat Su Sertoma Club has offered free hearing screening to the public since 2011. Each year, they award grants and scholarships to local hearing impaired students or those interested in pursuing a career in hearing health.

As of Monday, Feb. 17, 106 people donated $5,215 to 47 plungers across the Valley.

On-site Registration opens at 10 a.m. Plungers start jumping in the lake at noon with awards later to follow.

The 2020 Polar Plunge will be livestreamed. For more information and updates, look up Mat-Su Sertoma on Facebook. To contact Mat-Su Sertoma,email info@matsuhearing.org.

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