Stories from 2011

Added Jan. 19, 2011

My name is Becky Gingerich and I am heading up the Purple Plungers Team. Purple, being the favorite color of both Cristi, and Lexi Gingerich, who lost their lives on August 27, 2010 when they were hit head on by another driver on Rt 8 in Dover.

Cristi was my beautiful daughter-in-law, beautiful inside and out. She had just celebrated her first anniversary to my son, Jason Gingerich, and was to move into their new home just three days later. She was Lexi's stepmom, and had two daughters of her own, Emily & Kassidy Schaffner.

Cristi was a CNA at Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill. She was 30 years old. Lexi was my granddaughter, and Jason's daughter. She was in the 3rd grade at WBSimpson. She loved her "sisters," and they were inseperable. Lexi loved to do crafts and nature things. She loved hanging out with her Aunts Erin and Stephanie and Uncles Brad and Cliff. She had a black lab named Kyra who she loved. She had a beautiful smile, and was 8 years old.

I and my team members are plunging in memory of Cristi and Lexi, as they were both very giving and loving people. I have plunged three times before.

 

Stories from previous years

Added Aug. 30, 2010

My name is Jeanette Lednum. I plunged for the first time in 2008. My daughter wanted to join me and I agreed she could when she turned 9 years old. That year (2010), my daughter asked for only money for her birthday and when I asked why, she said she wanted to donate it to the Polar Bear Plunge.

She then created a poster and began to collect donations for her 2010 plunge. She raised $508 and is hooked. We are brainstorming some new strategies for fundraising for next year's plunge.

 

Added Feb. 1, 2010

This will be my third year plunging. I plunge with my cheerleading team from Smyrna High School, where I am a senior this year. When our coach first told us that she would like for us to participate in the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge we all went into shock. We thought this woman was crazy if she thought all of us were going to get in our bathing suits and jump in the freezing water in the middle of winter. That year a few girls, including me, plunged, I would have never expected it to be so much fun and for a great cause so we thought why not do it again. Last year we decided to do some cheerleading stunts on the beach. It caught the attention of many and people began to take pictures. Each year we encourage the new girls to plunge and our numbers increase. This year we are looking to do a fun theme for the plunge and everyone is excited. So watch out for the Smyrna High School cheerleaders this year at the plunge!                 Tayler Scuse

Added Jan. 7, 2010

This will be my eighth plunge at 79 years old and my 47-year-old son's third. I am proud to tell you my 12 year-old grandson and 7 year-old great-granddaughter will be making their first plunge with us this year. Wow!!!! This will be four generations of my family plunging together this year. How's that for bragging rights. They have given me my pre-80th birthday gift this year. I also plunge in Ocean City, N.J. and Sea Isle City N.J. A proud plunger and supporter of Special Olympics.  Joe de Rosa

Added Dec. 2, 2009

My name is Savannah Haines and this year will be my fourth year plunging. When my mom came home from work one day asking, “Do you want to do the polar bear plunge?” I looked at her like she had five heads! Teresa Grunert is who I’ve been plunging with. Her family was VERY inviting and is so much fun to plunge with. I feel like when I plunge, I'm supporting such a great cause. I'm one of those people that always has to help somebody else in order for me to be happy myself. I'm happy that by running into the freezing cold water, I'm helping someone else. This year I plan on making my boyfriend and ALL his friends run in with me. I’ll get to hear all the boys whine about how cold it is. GET READY POLAR BEARS !!!!!

Added Oct. 27, 2010

I am Suzy Harper and 2009 is my ninth year participating in the plunge. I have experienced having to run over ice to get into the water and getting out of the water to have ice pellets hitting my frigid head. Why do I do it some ask? The answer is simple: for those who are less fortunate than I am. I have my physical limitations and it takes about a week for me to recover but it is all worth it when you see those who benefit from this special event. My goal is to plunge in 2010, and then retire from plunging due to my health, but then become a volunteer and help wherever needed.

Added Wednesday, February 13th

Since 2002 we have been taking the plunge. We began volunteering as a family at the summer games in Newark. My son, Dean, was six at the time.  In the winter of 2003 Dean heard an advertisement for the Polar Bear Plunge. He told me it raised money for Special Olympics. I thought, "OK we can donate."  But Dean insisted that we take the plunge as a family. So, we raised some money and took the plunge. We have done it every year since. I am proud of my family and plan on making this a family tradition for years to come.

Michele Hysock

Added Tuesday, February 12th

Well, I made it another year and what a wonderful plunge it was.  I cannot begin to tell you the feeling inside of me when I saw the crowds Super Bowl Sunday.  There are not many places today that we can go and see "nothing but smiling faces".  We have the war, the elections, etc. etc. going on now but on last Sunday everyone joined together for the Special Olympics and ran, walked and I even heard wheel-chaired into that water.  All I could see on the beach was happy, laughing, giving people.  My  8 month old granddaughter was there for her 1st time watching her mommy plunge for the cause with her big smile on her face.

When I got home that night and watched the video and looked at the photos I saw all those smiling , happy faces of total strangers.  People who had stopped to chat with me on the boardwalk and shared with me why they were doing the plunge.  I saw my family all together helping each other grab towels and robes and taking care of each other.  EVERYONE WAS LAUGHING.
Leah Dougherty-Maher

Added Monday, February 11th

Becky Gingerich's team is called the Dover Ice Cubes. Her daughter thought of the name when she signed Becky up for the Polar Bear Plunge as a funny thing to do for her 50th birthday! She did the plunge in '03 and '05, also. Her team was made up of 8 people - some were her friends and some were family. "We had a great time and I have to say the after party was great! I met a lot of people that had great stories  about why they were there! Also - this is the 1st time I booked a hotel for the event. It's nice they let us checkout late, instead of in the morning, so we could change and shower before the party. Nothing like dancing with sand in your butt!"

Added Friday, February 8th

Top Groups for the 2008 Plunge are:
The Polar Knights ~ 61 plungers
1614 Fitness ~ 32 plungers
Bearing it all for Jacob ~ 31 plungers

Congratulations and thanks to these groups for recruiting the most Polar Bears!

Lake Forest High School Swim Team

My team and I have participated in the Polar Bear Plunge for three years now!  Each year we meet at LFHS and travel to Rehoboth.  The kids always enjoy the pre-plunge activites of playing football on the beach and eating Thrasher's french fries!

I love this event because it is for a great cause and a chance for my swimmers and divers to get involved to help Special Olympics Delaware .  This event has become a tradition for our program and one I plan to continue. 

This year was one of my favorites because it was the last plunge with my seniors!  Thank your for sponsoring this wonderful team building and memory making event!

Sincerely,
Sarah Sacksteder
(Lake Forest HS Swim Coach)

Added Friday, February 1st

This year's plunge could be the warmest yet ~ or at least tie the record. The 52 degree temperatures predicted for Sunday could tie the record set in 1998 when 684 Polar Bears plunged into the 42 degree water. This year's water temps look to be close to the same as well.

As of today we have almost 2000 plungers pre-registered, right on schedule with last year's totals at this time.

The nice temps are bound to bring out more spectators and more plungers. See you at the plunge!

Added Thursday, January 31st

Businesses In & Around Rehoboth Support the Bears!

Many businesses in and around Rehoboth Beach are offering a sweet deal to our bears! When you officially register either Saturday night or Sunday - you’ll receive your wrist band. The wrist band must be worn to receive store/restaurant discount(s). Participating businesses will display a blue ’Welcome Polar Bears!’ flag!

Crabby Dick’s (18831Coastal Highway (Rt 1)) Saturday night – ½ priced wings; $2.00 off Sunday brunch buffet!  Watch the Super Bowl with all you can eat crabs or, for dinner – buy one get one ½ off.

Dogfish Head Brewery & Restaurant (320 Rehoboth Ave.) Free pint glass (empty) to anyone who spends $10 on the day of the Plunge. Noted for pizzas, steaks and seafood grilled over oak and hickory logs, to a complete line of original Dogfish Head ales and spirits.

Eden Restaurant (23 Baltimore Ave) Free dessert with purchase of Saturday night dinner.

Kennedy Gallery (140 Rehoboth Ave) 10% off all purchases. A great store with fine arts & unique gifts!!!

Overture (Rt 1 at Nassau Bridge ) $100 off any purchase of $500 or more. America's premier high end audio and home theater systems store

Retro Cafe (12 Wilmington Ave. - right across from Sunday’s Registration Tent) 15% off total check for all Polar?Bears & their guests on Sunday; open 8am to 3pm.  Full breakfast, lunch &?Sunday Brunch menu!

Stoney Lonen (208 Second Street; corner of Second Street & Wilmington Ave.) Saturday night -10% discount on meals to Bears. Serving the finest and freshest seafood, authentic Irish fare and of course, good cheer reminiscent of the traditional Pubs of Ireland.

Dos Locos (208 Rehoboth Ave) 5 gift certificates – each a $50 value! Bringing Mexico to Rehoboth Beach!

Nicola Pizza (12 First Street) Nothing better than a case of Nic’s!

Pig & Fish Restaurant Company (236 Rehoboth Ave) 2 gift certificates – each a $40 value!

Boardwalk Raffle
Chances will be sold on the boardwalk for $5; drawings will be held on the hour.  You need not be present to win!

Boardwalk Auction
In celebration of Super Bowl Sunday – noted photographer Dan Cook will be donating one photo each of Eli Manning, NY Giants Quarterback and of Tom Brady New England Patriot’s Quarterback .  The live auction will take place at 12noon from the main stage!

Bears who raise $250 or more…
As special gift from Dos Locos (208 Rehoboth Ave) – a water bottle imprinted with a $5 coupon - good anytime! Bringing Mexico to Rehoboth Beach!

Added Wednesday, January 30th

For the past 16 plunges, Colonel Thomas MacLeish, of the Delaware State Police, has arranged for the State Police Dive Team to be in the water during the plunge. There are always at least 8 officers in the water when the plungers hit the waves. The dive team also enters the water before the plunge to check out the strength of the undertoe, look for unsafe areas or sudden drops, and further ensure a safe dip.

They are the first to enter the water and the last to leave. We are proud to report 16 consecutive safe plunges, in large part due to the efforts of the Delaware State Police Dive Team!

Added Tuesday, January 29th

Chip Simpson has been plunging for 13 years. His group was started by his brother -in-law, Jim Mc Quaide, his brother, Mike Simpson. They then got all their kids involved as well as other nieces, nephews, family and friends. They have had up to 25-30 actual jumpers. 3 years ago they started the Chipper's Dippers Polar Bear Ball - held the night before the plunge at Gary's in Dewey Beach. Bill Shanker, the sax player for the band we get and a co-worker of Jim McQuaide, is a big help in getting the band together and the ball organized. Look for Chipper's Dippers on the beach on Sunday.

Added Monday, January 28th

Raymond Chaney writes.......In 1997 my friend Joe Wilson asked me to come see him plunge. It was at Cape Henlopen then, I thought he was crazy!  Then next year (the first at Rehoboth Beach)  he got me to plunge!  I'll never forget Joe parading around in his red one piece long johns with the flap in the back  then stripping to a speedo to plunge in!  Sadly, Joe passed away Polar Bear Plunge Day in 2004 (but not at the plunge)!   He didn't go every year but I haven't missed one yet.  This will be # 11!

Added Sunday, January 27th

Bearing it all for Jacob....They weren’t the largest group of bears to hit the beach in 2006 - but they were respectable. With Jacob Zonick as their inspiration - they recruited 26 hearty souls and raised $5,560. Jacob is 10 years old and has been competing in Special Olympics since 2002. He competes in Basketball & Soccer skills as well as Track and Field events at Summer Games! Jacob shed his walker in 2005 and since then has been competing in all sports without it! A real inspiration!

Added Saturday, January 26th

He’s bald - but by choice! Richard Watkins of Woodbine, MD took his 4th plunge last year as a chance to challenge friends, co-workers & business associates with a unique twist! He offered to shave his head if he raised $5,000 in pledges! In 2006 he raised $2,125 and last year, more than doubled his pledges - by raising $5,235!

“I am always overwhelmed by the donations. My “incentive” last year was a bit of a goof, but the hair will grow back. The athletes this effort supports have so many more challenging issues that it was easy for me to do my part and I think people are easily stimulated to join into the effort.”

Added Friday, January 25th

Dianne Spirk's group was inspired by John Luckanish, Jr, who was plunging a few years before his untimely death on January 7th, 2005 at the tender age of 31.He was a volunteer fireman at the Claymont fire company,and first responder on the dive team. He was Scoutmaster of Troop 62 in Claymont, DE. Dianne worked beside him with the scouts as his assistant, and the year he died, he urged the  boys to come to Rehoboth beach to do the 'plunge'. He told them that I was going to plunge for the first time that year. He was really looking forward to it. His nickname at the fire company was "Shrek," due to his tall stature and good nature. We plunged a month after his death in 2005 and continue to this day. We have 6 boys from the troop that do it, 3 Eagle scouts, and 3 aspiring to reach Eagle, plus their families. Shrek is our mascot. We'll be there plunging for Special Olympics and in John's memory!

Added Thursday, January 24th

William Street’s first plunge was to help out a friend who had recently undergone bypass surgery. The friend had participated every year up until that point and when he couldn’t do it because of the surgery, asked William to take the plunge on his behalf.

After a lot of thought, William figured, “What are friends for!” Eight years later he says, “I wouldn’t miss this event for anything.” He has also enticed several friends and family members to join him.

The best news is……..that friend who got him started after having bypass surgery, still plunges himself!

Added Wednesday, January 23rd

This will be our 3rd year to plunge.  My daughter Ashley and I plunge to help raise funds for the Special Olympics.  Ashley participates in many sporting events through the Special Olympics and we feel blessed to be a part of them. This is our way to say "Thank You" for all the time the volunteers give.
thank you,
Linda Webb

Added Tuesday, January 22nd

The Delaware Juniors Volleyball Club is creating a story yet to be told. They plan to bring down over 50 plungers from their volleyball club and spend the morning playing beach volleyball to stay warm. Their portable net will be setup on the north side of Rehoboth Avenue and their goal is to raise $5,000.

Added Monday, January 21st

Justin Marquis talked his family into driving to Rehoboth Beach to see his uncle plunge in 2005. Just like a lot of people, right? The difference here is that Justin lives in Rhode Island. The Marquis family will drive the 400 miles again this year for their 4th plunge. Last year, Justin's 3rd, he asked for only one gift from family members for Christmas ~ money toward his plunge. He managed to raise over $500. Deb Marquis, Justin’s mother, says, “We have made lots of new friends and last year recruited another Rhode Islander. We are hooked and wouldn’t miss it for the world. Go Polar Knights!”

Added Sunday, January 20th

Rosemary Geldof’s plunge story, like so many others, comes from previous ties to the wonderful people that this event benefits. In 1969, she took several of her students to the first-ever International Special Olympics Games held in Chicago.

Fast forward to 1999, Rosemary’s 50th birthday and her first plunge. She raised over $1,000 that year and has every year since. Even in 2005 when she was recovering from surgery and couldn’t plunge all the way in, she raised her money, and instead of plunging, dipped her toes into the ocean. She even had a friend do it with her in her honor (better than in her memory as she likes to point out).

Her group now numbers 20 and their plunge weekend actually starts on Wednesday of that week when they gather in Rehoboth Beach. They are the Chester County Polar Bears. Rosemary’s motto to her non-plunging friends: “You pledge, I plunge, and the more you pledge the warmer I’ll be!”

Added Saturday, January 19th

Leah Dougherty’s first plunge was alone in 2002 (well, actually with 1,860 other people) while her husband, Mike, stood on the beach in his ski jacket, having promised to get a picture of her in the water. She has since recruited 15 people but has yet to get a picture. Her husband has promised to get one this year (again).

Of the plunge she says, “This event is one of the most anticipated and rewarding activities that our family participates in. We come together at our house in Bethany Beach on Friday night and the fun begins.”

Added Friday, January 18th

Our first "I met my spouse at the plunge" story.........

My husband, Matt, and I met because of the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge.  I was convinced by a friend in college to take the plunge in 1999.  In 2000, my roommate and I decided to do it again and she convinced her boyfriend to jump as well.  He then tried recruiting his fraternity brothers.  My husband was the only one brave enough to try it.  The night before the plunge, my roommate and I threw a pre-plunge party and Matt showed up. I thought he was cute and funny and started flirting with him.  Naturally, he was oblivious. 

The next day as we awaited the signal to go, I mentioned to him that he might want to leave his glasses on the blanket in case he lost his footing and went under. Several of us held hands as we rushed into the frigid water.  Unfortunately, we all got separated and Matt was left to try to meander his way back to the blanket by himself.  I noticed he was wandering the wrong direction down the beach - soaking wet and sans towel or glasses - so I ran to get him and lead him back.

Four years later, he planned to propose to me on the beach before the plunge, but the ring he ordered hadn't arrived in time.  We have, however, plunged every year since that first one as a celebration of fate - and SODE - bringing us together.

Thanks!
- Holly Anne McCardell Balish

Added Thursday, January 17th

Jonathan Souder started plunging in 2004 when, as a fitness instructor, he made a bet with his water aerobics class that he could predict the first snow. Well, he lost, and had to suffer the “consequence” and take part in the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge. At the time, his wife was pregnant with their first child and she stood on the beach waiting for him with his towel, along with several friends who were all bundled from head to toe (and stayed that way).

Jonathan says, “I remember ice and snow on the sand as I stood there and called myself an idiot over and over!”

His customers at the Wellness Center where he works pitch in and support his plunge every year, requiring only that he bring back a picture as proof, and not “just going in up to my toes.”

This year’s plunge will be extra special for Jonathan as his first-born son, who was sort of on the beach for his father’s first plunge, will be taking the chilly dip with him.

Posted Monday, January 14th

Bruce Johnson first started doing the plunge as a tribute to his daughter, who died of leukemia. Since then he has recruited his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, a former participant in Special Olympics. His son, who was three when his sister passed away, also plunges. This will be their 5th plunge. Now, they not only do it in honor of Bruce's daughter, they "do it for the great cause."

Marie McIntosh first plunged when a Special Olympics athlete, Carol Bak, asked her to accompany her in the water. Marie agreed to hold Carol's hand but was only going in up to her ankles and planned to get it over with as quickly as possible. Carol fell three times and Marie had to go under the water all three times to help her up. Carol was laughing at Marie each time she "fell." Nine years later, Marie is still plunging with us. Carol, on the other hand, holds her own plunge ~ in Florida! Something tells me she's still laughing at Marie each time she goes in.

Kevin McCabe's friend got him started plunging back in 2001. That following August his nephew Matthew was born with Down Syndrome. This will be Kevin's 7th plunge and this year his band Caravan will be performing at Arena's the night before the plunge, with all proceeds going toward the Plunge.

Karen Knight's brother, Richard Phillips, was born with Down Syndrome and passed away in 2002. She plunges each year in his honor while her mother, Jerry Phillips, waits on the beach as the official towel holder. Karen says that during each plunge, "I can feel my brother's spirit running toward the water with me."

Ten years ago, Ken Krieder's daughter, Shannon, wanted to do something for a charity and so they decided to give the plunge for Special Olympics Delaware a try. Ten years later, Shannon has recruited her siblings, Michael and Danielle, as well as between 7 and 15 additional plungers each year. They make it a fun time by dressing up using a theme. In 2006 it was for America ~ red, white and blue. Last year they dressed up as friends of the polar bears ~ penguins. And this year, look for Ken's group on the beach dressed as grapes and bottles of wine, because grapes turn into wine and just like a fine wine, "the plunge just gets better with time."

These are just a sampling of many wonderful stories we've received. Check back for more and if you have a plunge story, please share it with us. Email your stories to jbuzby@udel.edu.

Questions? Please contact us at info@sode.org  or 302-831-4653