If you missed it, here's the recap from last weekend’s Boulder Polar Plunge!
The Boulder Polar Plunge has been a New Year’s tradition since 1982. For years, brave souls have dipped their toes into the freezing and ice-smashed waters of the Boulder Reservoir, all to support the American Cancer Society.
The yearly tradition/fundraiser has brought people from all over to take the plunge. This year was no different. Clowns, a Titanic ship, trolls with giant afros and yes, even an alien took part in the big dive. Some made it as far as the Boulder Fire Rescue team who waded in the water the whole time, others… made it about ankle deep. The rescue team deserves a ton of praise for not only being the best support for the plungers, but for wading in that freezing water the whole time.
Coordinator for the Boulder Polar Plunge, Lisa McAlister, expressed her gratitude for everyone involved in the success of the event:
We are so grateful, not only for the plungers and spectators that came out to support The American Cancer Society, but especially to the police, fire and rescue, and medical professionals who ensured the safety of everyone."
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Regardless of how far or not-so-far plungers actually made it into the water, overall the donations were astounding. One of the biggest donors of the day were a team called Medtronic. The large team took the plunge while being cheered on for raising over $12,000 for cancer research.
The Boulder Community Hospital also deserves their props for possibly being the largest group in attendance. Creating their own T-Shirts for the event, hospital employees and family members gripped hands and took the plunge
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The Polar Plunge has a relatively strict “eight at a time” rule for plunging. This is to ensure safe plunging and minimize any freezing water injuries. Well about halfway through the Polar Plunge, everything went haywire. For one reason or another TONS of people started storming the seas (aka the reservoir). Don’t worry though, no one was hurt. It was actually a pretty hilarious moment hearing the announcer call over and over “EIGHT AT A TIME” until she finally gave in, and a group of people finally stopped in their tracks. Whether it was the announcer's calling, or the fact that the small patch of water was packed with people… we’ll never really know.
Aside from the plungers themselves, a great crowd assembled to cheer on the brave souls taking the Polar Plunge. Tons of happy dogs, babies in all stars, and family members offering their moral support and of course, plenty of blankets. Kona Ice was also there to show their support; two members took the plunge, and the others stayed in the truck handing out free hot chocolate!
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The Boulder Polar Plunge is a great fundraiser that mixes good ol’ fashioned Colorado fun with raising funds for an amazing cause. Overall the Boulder Polar Plunge had an awesome turnout with 23 teams and 188 participants! According to McAlister the event raised around $23,000! All in all, anyone who took the plunge deserves a huge pat on the back, and a nice warm blanket!
