Tiftarea YMCA Polar Bear Plunge and Charity Challenge donates to nonprofits in the new year

TIFTON, Ga. – The Tiftarea YMCA is kicking off the New Year with one of its chilliest and most popular traditions, the Annual Polar Bear Plunge, happening New Year’s Day at 11 a.m. at the Stafford Aquatic Center, located at 1823 Westover Road in Tifton.

The YMCA describes the Polar Bear Plunge as a community-building event meant to inspire fun, courage, and connection to kick off the New Year. The event is free to attend, and spectators are encouraged to come cheer on their favorite participant as they take the icy leap.

Each participant is collecting donations for a nonprofit of their choice. The individual who raises the most and takes the plunge will earn 100% of the donations for their organization. All other nonprofits will receive a 50/50 split with the YMCA, provided their representative braves the frigid slide as well.

Here are the 2026 Polar Bear Plunge contenders:

• Mac Sims – Tift Animal Rescue
  Donation link: Available at tiftareaymca.org

• DeAnn Benefield – Hospice of Tift County
  Donation link: Available at tiftareaymca.org

• Sam Skaggs – Alzheimer’s Association
  Donation link: Available at tiftareaymca.org

• Cruz Chambless – Called to Care
  Donation link: Available at tiftareaymca.org

• Josh Pridemore – TCCCY (Tift County Commission on Children & Youth)
  Donation link: Available at tiftareaymca.org

• Angie Saturday – The Exchange Club of Tifton
  Donation link: Available at tiftareaymca.org

Supporters can donate online through individual fundraising pages or by stopping by the Tiftarea YMCA at 1657 South Carpenter Road in Tifton. All donations directly support the nonprofits represented in this year’s challenge.

Anyone interested in joining the plunge can contact Lauren at lauren@tiftareaymca.org.

To donate or learn more about the charities involved, visit tiftareaymca.org or call 229-391-9622.

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