February 6th, 2012 
It was a chilly day with a wind chill that was so cold and so strong, it made your ears ache. Picture that kind of day and then add jumping into the frigid San Marcos River! This is what over 50 plungers did in order to raise money for the children in the Special Olympics Texas at the Polar Plunge. The Polar Plunge is a Law Enforcement Torch Run event which is Special Olympics’ largest grassroots fundraiser. Many law enforcement officers were plungers and it was heartwarming to see them participating in this event!
Sean with his ice sculpture created specially for Special Olympics Texas Polar Plunge (Photo Credit: Rachael Baldwin)
Upon my arrival to Sewell Park that cold morning, there was music playing complete with a D.J. to excite everyone and get the plungers hyped and ready to jump into the water, a daunting task. Kolaches and hot coffee were available to the guests for a little added warmth. Before the actual plunge, volunteers, organization members and other attendees had fun dancing to the music in their colorful and unique costumes. Kasey Lyons, a member of Texas State’s Chapter Omega Phi Alpha, was having fun dancing with Justin, a Special Olympics athlete. Omega Phi Alpha is based on three principles: leadership, friendship and service. Kasey said she really enjoys serving others and helping her community.
Sean Leahy doing the "cannon ball" jump! (Photo Credit: Rachael Baldwin)
The time finally came for the anxious plungers to jump into the clear, running river. Before each individual jumped into the water, the D.J. announced how much money each person raised for the Special Olympics Texas. It was great to acknowledge each person for their hard work and time in raising money for this cause. Most plungers jumped in with no problem and it was fun to see their reactions to the cold water and as they got out of the water with the freezing winds piercing their wet skin. I remember hearing one plunger yelling, “It’s for the kids” before his jump . . . if that’s not enough to motivate one to jump into cold water, I don’t know what is. Being cold for a bit is certainly worth helping to better kids’ lives. One woman was very frightened to jump, as she was not a very good swimmer. It took her some time and cheers of encouragement from the crowd and her friends to help her jump, and she ultimately did jump! What an achievement for her as well as the cause.
Plungers taking the plunge! (Photo Credit: Rachael Baldwin)
In my pre-event Polar Plunge article, I mentioned Sean Leahy of Full Spectrum Ice Sculptures. Sean created a custom ice sculpture for the Polar Plunge and Sean raised well over $100 for the Special Olympics!
After all the plungers made the plunge, Gumby’s Pizza, a Polar Plunge sponsor, served hot pizzas for everyone!
In the end, the Polar Plunge raised over $6,000 for the deserving athletes of the Special Olympics Texas!
Hey I just wanted to let you know that Alpha Phi Omega and Omega Phi Alpha are two different organizations. Alpha Phi Omega is a co-ed service fraternity based off leadership friendship and service. While we did have a few of our members there at the event, Kasey is a member of Omega Phi Alpha. Omega Phi Alpha was established as the sorority answer to APhiO during it’s fraternity years. OPhiA was recognized as our sister sorority until Alpha Phi Omega itself became co-ed in the 70′s. Now that Alpha Phi Omega is a co-ed fraternity, we no longer recognize Omega Phi Alpha as our sister sorority.
Thank you so much for your support! I appreciate you coming out to cover this great fund raiser for such a wonderful organization. Thanks again!