Freezin' for a reason |
| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Mar 12 2008 at 2:46 PM |
Photo by Rachel Jensen
Above: Nick Lee, Tim Hruza, Travis Checketts, Jamie Christensen, Marcus Hitt, Brent Wheaton, and Jesse Hitt, members of the Fiji Fraternity plunged into cold waters on Saturday as a member of the Kearney Fire Department monitors the event to keep everyone safe.
By Antelope Staff Members
Friends. Food. "Freezin' for a reason."
These are all things that could be found at the 8th Annual Polar Bear Plunge at Fort Kearny on Saturday.
This year's Polar Bear Plunge was a success as 86 participants made their way out to the recreation area in support of the Special Olympics of Nebraska.
The UNK campus was represented with members of Phi Gamma Delta, also known as Fiji, Gamma Phi Beta, and Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, all attending on Saturday to take the plunge for charity.
"I heard the standard temperature of tap water in March is about 60 degrees, so the lake water was a lot lower than that," said Travis Checketts, a senior organizational communications major from Eagle and member of the Fiji Fraternity. "So if you think of filling a tub with cold water, imagine the lake being a lot colder than that."
The chilly weather and 40 degree water temperature did not stop members of the UNK campus and surrounding communities from contributing to a good cause.
"It wasn't that bad, it was less shocking than I had imagined, especially after I got out of the water. I had hoped for colder temperatures," Checketts said.
Fellow fraternity brother, Tim Hruza, a junior political science and economics double major from Ord said, "It was by far the worst thing I've ever experienced in my life. It was absolutely horrible. I wanted to stop moving, but at the same time I needed to get out as soon as possible."
The Fiji Fraternity raised over $1,000 as a team, while the entire event raised over $40,000 from the greater Tri-City area. Combined with the Lincoln and Omaha, the event raised over $100,000 for Special Olympics of Nebraska.
"It was a great opportunity to do something for the community, while helping to build the ties between members of our fraternity," Hruza said. "It was great to see other members of the Greek community willing to take the plunge along side us."
Special Olympics Nebraska is funded entirely by private donations from individuals, companies, foundations and civic organizations.
"I decided to participate mainly because of charity and for brotherhood," Checketts said. "The Special Olympics is a beneficial organization for citizens of Nebraska and is sometimes overlooked by some people."
Prizes were given out to participants based on the top male fundraiser, top female fundraiser, most original team theme, oldest plunger, favorite athlete costume and the most outrageous.
"I would do it again in a heartbeat! We fully plan on making it an annual event for Phi Gamma Delta," Hruza said.
Residents from Kearney and the surrounding area were also involved with the event.
