UAM Hosts Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics

Staff Writer

   Students, faculty, staff and organizers came to University of Arkansas at Monticello to witness the second annual Polar Bear Plunge, a fundraiser for the Special Olympics of Arkansas.

Courtesy of Janelle Martin Photography

Freezin' For a Reason - Dressed as an ice cube, Amber Wells, of the Drew County Disabilities team, poses for a picture during the Polar Bear Plunge held Jan. 29 in Weevil Pond. Wells won the individual costume contest.

   Interested groups and individuals donated a minimum of $50 to plunge head first into the cold waters of Weevil Pond. Participants received anything from T-shirts and beach towels to large folding chairs with a cooler depending on the amount of donations raised.

   Judges awarded the Traveling Polar Bear Trophy to teams and individuals that sported the best costumes and raised the most money. 

   Group winners include South Arkansas Rehabilitation, who won best costume for appearing as monkeys, and Institute Management Accountants who won the trophy for most money raised with $950.

   Individual winners include Amber Wells of Drew County Developmental Disabilities Services who won best costume for dressing as an ice cube with the event’s theme: “Freezin’ for a Reason.” Karen Caldwell and Jason Caldwell tied for the most money raised with both of them reaching just over $2,000 each.

   Last year the event took place at Monticello High School’s pond. Karen “Ked” Donham, who co-directed the event with Karen Caldwell, said Weevil Pond is “a better area to go to” since it has an easier area to jump in.

   Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration Jay Jones said the organizers “picked an excellent location for the plunge.” 

   Holding the event on campus enables students to participate more, and Caldwell said the event will stay at UAM if allowed. 

   UAM’s groups and organizations made a strong appearance at the event with many volunteering and diving into the pond. Members of the football team helped set up tables and tents with two of the members splashing into the pond. The IMA and Wildlife Society both represented their organizations with donations. Alpha Sigma Alpha volunteered both years as part of their philanthropic projects, as well as donating money.

   South Arkansas Rehabilitation President Nat Grubbs said its outpatient program works with many children and adults who are disabled, and is a deciding factor when considering taking the plunge. Grubbs’ group dove in last year as well and plans to return to future events.

   This year, participants raised a total of $9,900. 

  “We wouldn’t be able to do it without the UAM students and faculty,” Donham said.

   Plunges run from December through February throughout the state and nation. Only three states, including Arkansas, do not charge any participation fees. The funds raised provide money for Special Olympics events and the state office’s operations.

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