Polar Plunge

On February 18, 2012, the anticipated day had finally arrived! 2012 Polar Plunge! Each year, Polar Plunge is put on as a fundraiser to send kiddos from our area to the Special Olympics. South Arkansas Rehab (my work) has won best costume the past two years. This was my first year to be part of the team, and I was amazed at the time and effort that went into planning our costumes for the big event... of course it had to be secretive so the competition wouldn't outdo us!

We gathered at the clinic that Saturday morning to put on our costumes and get ready for the big event. It was a little chilly outside that day, but nothing like running into freezing cold water!!!

All ready to head to the event at the UAM pond

The only hitch in the plans was out Tin Man....he was so good that he couldn't sit down...So this is how we transported him!

Once we arrived at the UAM pond, we registered and waited for things to start. Not much later, the "parade" began, and each team paraded in front of the judges for judging of the costumes. After a few minutes of suspense......South Arkansas Rehab won for the 3rd year running! Yippee!

Seth Oxner, Park Tipton, Kyle Wever, Jennifer Brown, Nat Grubbs (and Toto), Laura Lyon, and Meredith Grubbs

After the costume contest it was time for the real event....getting IN the water. However, since I was already fighting sickness, I humbly bowed out of the event and watched from the sidelines.

At this point they were singing, "We're off to see the wizard!!!"

And the finale...A perfect synchronized turning dive into the freezing cold water!

Such a fun event for a great cause, but can't say that I wish I could've participated...