Mat-Su Sertoma Club preparing for annual Polar Plunge fundraising event

WASILLA — It’s getting close to that time of year again. Soon, community minded people from across the Valley will culminate their efforts collecting donations by plunging into the icy waters of Finger Lake at the Palmer Elks Lodge Feb. 20 during the 11th annual Mat-Su Polar Plunge.

“All the funds that are raised stay right here in the Valley. People dress up in costumes and it’s kind of become a neat tradition,” Mat-Su Sertoma Club Treasurer and Charter President Paula Nance said.

Those who commit to taking the plunge create an online campaign and collect their target donation amounts before the day of the event. All proceeds from the donation campaigns and general donations will help the Mat-Su Sertoma Club provide two scholarships to local students with hearing impairments.

Nance noted that some of the collected funds will also go toward their efforts supporting the community and promoting hearing health throughout the year.

“People come to us at a time of need… We’ve been here for a while,” Nance said. “We share the love with everybody… Everybody knows somebody with hearing loss.”

This is one of Mat-Su Sertoma’s largest fundraising events of the year. Nance said they’re hoping to raise $10,000 to $15,000 this year.

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.

Nance said they have a COVID-19 mitigation plan in place with several social distancing measures.

“This is kind of a strange year. We held it last year but it was just before the shut down,” Nance said. “We already have donations flooding in.”

A majority of plungers wear costumes, either as an individual or as a group. It’s common to see coworkers, families and groups of friends pledge together and jump together. There’s awards for the best costumes and most money raised.

There’s even a Scaredy Cat and Golden Plunger award. Nance said that she spray paints toilet plungers with gold spray paint for the Golden Plunger award, and many winners have proudly shown them off in their homes.

“We truly try and make it fun,” Nance said.

Nance said they have numerous locals who come back every year to brave the cold waters.

“It’s a family event. Even if you don’t jump in the water it’s a great way to get outside and get your family outside. You can stand on the lake and social distance and still watch 50 to 100 people jump in the ice hole,” Nance said. “This will be my fifth time that I’ve jumped. Even as an old lady, you can do this thing if it’s on your bucket list.”

Registration is currently open for jumpers. For more information, visit matsuhearing.org/matsu-plunge or email info@matsuhearing.org.

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