Plunge: Snow day at the beach
When I signed up for the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Maryland, I didn't know they actually held the event at the North Pole. I could have sworn I saw one of Santa's cute little elves dashing through the heavy show that fell on Sandy Point State Park this morning and afternoon, but it turned out to be 98 Rock's Mickey Cucchiella.
Thousands of hearty plungers jumped into the icy -- and snowy -- Chesapeake to help our Special Olympics athletes. It's one of those events that brings together Marylanders of every stripe, which was reflected in the WBAL "Week in Review" team that featured me, Clarence Mitchell IV and Jimmy Mathis and was bankrolled by friends of the show, most notably top fundraisers Jamie and Kevin Courtney. I want to thank everyone who made a donation to ours or any group of plungers and encourage anyone who still wants to do that to go to WBAL.com and click on the MSP Polar Bear Plunge icon.
If you want proof that we took the plunge, you can take a look at Rob Roblin's report on WBAL-TV right here.
Overall, about 25,000 participated in the 1 p.m. plunge, but the 3 p.m. plunge had to be cancelled because of the blizzard conditions that dropped five inches of snow on the area.
The event makes strange bedfellows. It was interesting to see former governor Robert L. Erhlich Jr. doing his WBAL radio show just a few feet from the 98 Rock FM crew. Cucchiella teamed with Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco on a special VIP plunge that raised more than $100,000.
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Comments
Lol, what a hoot! Only those six or so went in? There must have been more on different feeds? I went in once and it took my breath from my chest. I thought my heart had stopped. Bless the brave souls!
Posted by: mojito | January 30, 2010 6:58 PM
Nice job Pete, for a great cause. But......
I think you need to see an eye doctor.
Cute little elf....Mickey??? Ha ha...
Posted by: Bob F. | January 30, 2010 7:22 PM
Hey Pete where were ya? I was there late Friday afternoon and all day Saturday. I didn't see you.
I plunged 3 times. The 3rd time I dunked myself.
I had an absolute blast Saturday. The raging snowstorm only enhanced the Freezin For A Reason experience.
Now all I have to do make the drive 7 hours drive back to Charlotte Sunday after the storm.
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Pete's reply: Mark, I'm not that tough, but applaud you for putting out that kind of effort. I got there at 6 yesterday morning and only did the one early morning plunge, but cut me a little slack. I hobbled into the water in an ankle brace and was out there against doctor's orders. I put up the video of our team, but if you go to the WBAL-TV site, you'll see there are lots more videos of the Super Plungers and the main plunge.
Posted by: Mark from Charlotte | January 30, 2010 11:35 PM
Congrats for 'taking the plunge' Peter and assisting the Special Olympics, which is an excellent cause. I have been a Special Olympics coach here for years and it's a great organization that can always use support.
Posted by: TerryP | January 31, 2010 8:38 AM
I agree the plunge is for a great and worthy cause. I also will preface this by saying if I had the physique I'd gladly like to give it a try (hint: I make schmuck look like brad pitt in Troy), but since I don't, I'll sit home in a nice warm chair and throw my financial support to the cause. That said, I think it should be mandatory that all participants have to wear bathing suits for the plunge. I saw some wearing head to toe clothing. That's not fair. Swimming trunks on guys and one or two-piece bathing suits for women. Those who went in wearing only bathing suits, I applaud for being true plungers. Now, back to my warm and toasty lazy boy.
Posted by: Brrrrr | January 31, 2010 1:42 PM
Brrrr- the only thing you specifically aren't allowed to plunge in is a wetsuit. That said, people in real clothes, or with a shirt on over their bathing suits actually do themselves a disservice. It's much colder to have a large wet t-shirt sticking to you after the plunge than just a bathing suit you can peel off quickly. I agree- bathings suits all the way.
Posted by: Caitlin | February 1, 2010 11:09 AM