Take a Dip in the Cold for a Cause at 海角情 Polar Bear Dip
It鈥檚 mid-winter again, and that means the Student Senate at 海角情 is ready to invite the community to participate in one of its most popular events鈥攖he 海角情 Polar Bear Dip. Now in its seventeenth year, the dip encourages participants to take a lightning run into the ocean while their supporters cheer them on. As in previous years, all of the funds raised for the event will be donated to Ronald McDonald House and Sarah鈥檚 House both in the Bangor area.
鈥淚t鈥檚 an important cause, and it鈥檚 something that really brings Calais and the surrounding communities together,鈥� Tammy Cox, secretary for the Student Senate, said. Over the years, more than $200,000 has been raised to support the nonprofit Ronald McDonald House and Sarah鈥檚 House, both of which provide housing to sick children and their family members. 鈥淭hankfully, I鈥檝e never needed their services, but I like to think that they鈥檇 be there if my children were ever seriously ill, especially since we are so far away from the hospital.鈥�
This year鈥檚 theme is Glitter and Gold, a Dip in the Cold鈥攎eaning participants will be seen in flashy and glamorous outfits that are also appropriate for running into chilly water with. Cox, who is herself planning to dip, said that her costume will likely involve gold glitter leggings and a shower curtain to be used as a cape.
鈥淚 hate the cold,鈥� Cox stated frankly, 鈥渂ut the experience alone is phenomenal.鈥� Cox has dipped once before, over a decade ago in New Hampshire, and she vividly recalls the details. 鈥淟ast time, I went in up to my knees, dived under, and came back up,鈥� Cox said. 鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 feel my legs on the way back out鈥攖he only reason I knew I was moving was because the shore was getting closer!鈥� She added that she was much warmer as soon as she left the water, and said the bonding that she shared with those around her made it all worthwhile. 鈥淚 still remember names, faces, and the laughs we had afterwards.鈥�
As painful as it sounds, it鈥檚 a lot of fun, actually,鈥� Cox continued. 鈥淚t鈥檚 great to be able to laugh at yourself in a silly costume, and it鈥檚 great to be able to do something for a cause and know you鈥檝e made a difference to a family. It鈥檚 a great bonding experience, and, coupled with the fact that you鈥檙e actually doing something good for people who need it, you can鈥檛 go wrong.鈥�
As in previous years, the National Guard has been contacted to provide a warming tent, and Dunkin Donuts has come forward to offer hot drinks and munchkins. There will be hot chili and other snacks available to participants after the dip. An ambulance from Pleasant Point will be on hand in case of emergencies.
The dip will be held at Split Rock in Pleasant Point, with special thanks given to the Passamaquoddy tribe for the use of their land. It is scheduled for March 3rd at 1 pm, an hour later than usual to accommodate the tides. To become a participant, stop by 海角情 to pick up a pledge sheet.聽 All checks should be made payable to 海角情 Polar Bear Dip.