Polar Plunge thrills benefit agencies that help locally

Dozens of people temporarily lost their minds Saturday when they took a dip in the frigid waters of Finger Lake.

It’s called “Freezin’ for a Reason.”

The Polar Plunge is an annual event to raise money for local agencies. This year the benefactors are the Wasilla Area Senior Center and Mat-Su Health Services. Taking over the plunge this year was Mat-Su Sertoma Club, a relatively new service organization in the Valley.

It’s always a good time for everyone, even if they don’t take the plunge as some brave souls do.

Last year the plunge raised about $10,000, as has been the case over the last five years.

As previously reported in the Frontiersman, the Wasilla Senior Center has been going through some tough times lately. Cutbacks have been made and services reduced in an effort to keep the much-needed center open. So any funds raised by the plunge will certainly go to a good home.

The Mat-Su Health Services provides numerous types of health care for Valley residents. The non-profit organization offers health care from urgent care to senior care to school sports physicals to early detection of cancer. It also has a clinic for behavioral issues and drug addiction among other mental health care.

So, obviously the plunge, while a good time for children and adults, is also a worthy cause.

This year’s plunge had a real advantage in that the Valley has been enjoying daytime temperatures in the high 30s and low 40s. Balmy, if you will. That’s compared to last year when the event was flat-out cold with a breeze adding to the frosty atmosphere.

Sertoma had hot soup and hot chocolate on hand for those making the leap and for all the bystanders. Children also enjoyed games and there was judging of the always popular costume contest.

The plunge is just one of those events that shows how people here do help others.

And it’s not too late to support the cause. If one of the two organizations is close to your heart you can visit matsuplunge.com or call 352-8333 for more information about donating to the cause.