Plungers brave icy waters Saturday for a good cause

WASILLA — It’s time again for the annual Mat-Su Polar Plunge, a community event organized by the Mat-Su Sertoma Club, a branch of the national, non-profit service club that supports communities, focusing on hearing health. The Plunge is designed to support local charities involved and give back to the community, granting new opportunities to the hearing-impaired in the Mat-Su Valley. Each jumper will leap into the frigid lake after earning a minimum of $100, often surpassing the goal.

This year’s plunge will take place at the Elk’s Lodge, located at 2600 N. Barry’s Resort Dr., off Bogard Road.

Individuals and teams are asked to register online, where they create a pledge page for donations. Costumes are often seen and strongly encouraged for the Plunge. Both individuals and teams compete for trophies and prizes for the most creative design. There are also trophies and prizes for the most money earned, for a team and an individual.

After the icy plummet and roar of the crowd, jumpers can retreat to the warmth of Arctic Home Living’s hot tub. It has historically been viewed as a fun way for the community to get out of their house and have some fun and eat some snacks — all for a good cause.

Registration will begin promptly at 10 a.m. If registering on-site, please be sure to arrive early. Plunging begins at noon.

To date, there are 59 plungers, 131 donors and $6,746 donated.

There are about 30 business sponsors involved. Past years have seen donation totals reaching over $20,000.