Tiftarea YMCA’s Polar Bear Plunge fundraiser

TIFTON, Ga. – While the temperature may not reflect its name, a group of people took part in the New Years Day tradition of the Polar Bear Plunge.

I was there this morning as quite a few people took a dip.

Ten people representing ten different Tifton area non profits took a dip in the pool to kick off the new year as part of the Tiftarea YMCA’s Polar Bear Plunge fundraiser.

We got a chance to speak with a couple of first time participants about giving back to their community.

“I want to show love for the Alzheimer’s Association. My buddy Larry (Sikes) who gave us our start with Kraken Pro Wrestling. He started with the Alzheimer’s Association and we want to run an event initially in may. Right. So, we started this. And, now, I wanted to give back to the people that gave us our start and help us out,” said Sam Skaggs, representing Alzheimer’s Association,” said Skaggs.

“Well, this is my first and only year, that water was too cold,” said Tom Shoup, Tifton Kiwanis Club.

The YMCA holds the fundraiser through the month of December among the participating non-profits…

And… raised over $15 thousand dollars total.

For 1st place fundraiser, Brett Wagenhorst getting to do this every New Year’s Day for nearly the last 15 years is special.

“It feels good. I think it’s a great way to promote charitable causes in the community to get out and do something that invigorates you physically and to keep in mind that, you know, we need to support those that are less fortunate in our community,” said Brett Wagenhorst, representing Meals on Wheels.

For the ten participants, being able to give back while taking a dip on January 1st is a fun experience…

“It’s a great thing. I love how the community comes together and more things like this need to happen,” said Skaggs.

“Well, it’s just good to get out here yourself and do something for other people and be part of something that’s positive for the community,” said Russ Flowers, Tift County Foundation for Educational Excellence.

While others may want someone else to represent their group for next year’s plunge.

“No, sir. No, sir. Too cold. Too cold,” said Shoup.

This is the highest total the Tiftarea YMCA Polar Bear Plunge has raised since 2020, where they raised over $14 thousand dollars.

Brian Roche reporting.

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