By Liz Tennent

For the Salisbury Post

How do you host a Polar Plunge when temps are forecast for the mid 60s and lake levels are seven feet below normal? That was the dilemma facing the Special Olympics Rowan County in advance of Saturday’s annual fundraiser at the Salisbury Elks Lodge River Park.

The non-polar temps weren’t really the issue; but a “plunge” was simply not possible. Participants normally take the plunge by racing into a frigid High Rock Lake. It’s been a tradition for more than 10 years. Team organizers didn’t want to cancel so they came up with a clever plan to find a safe, flowing supply of water for participants this year. 

Cynthia Hoffmann serves as co-coordinator for the Special Olympics Rowan County program along with Lea Miller. She made the call to Miller Ferry Volunteer Fire Department who came to the rescue and provided several trucks and their airboat for the event. And it was a splashing success.

More than 200 people attended to enjoy seeing individuals, many in costume, get sprayed and soaked for a special cause. Together, they raised nearly $12,000, exceeding the goal of $10,000. All monies raised, including proceeds from the 50/50 raffle, benefit the Special Olympics. 

“We want to thank Miller Ferry Volunteer Fire Department, all the organizations, school groups and individuals that came out and helped raise money for our athletes,” Hoffmann said. “This money allows us to host events, sports and provide services to our athletes at no cost to them.”

Individuals and teams from Salisbury Elks Lodge #699, the Civitan Club of Salisbury, East Rowan Junior Civitans, Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus and the Rowan-Salisbury School EC Department have been raising donations and awareness for months in advance of the event.  

Awards were presented to the Civitan Club of Salisbury, who raised the most funds by an organization; the Salisbury Elks Lodge who had the most team members; the RSS EC Department with most funds raised and participants for a school; and Nathan Drye who raised the most money among individual participants.  

Debbie Martin of the local Elks lodge earned top honors as the individual raising most money for a group or team. She has been “polar plunging” since 2016. 

“I think this year was one of the best ever,” Martin said. “We had great weather and turnout. Going into the lake is cold and muddy. Running through the fire hoses was just plain cold, but lots of fun for everyone. It took me back to my younger days running through a sprinkler.

“The Polar Plunge is one of my favorite community events. It reminds me of why I became an Elks member in the first place.”

Hoffmann echoed Martin’s enthusiasm saying, “This was a great Polar Plunge, and we hope to be even more successful next year.”

The crowd enjoyed music with a live DJ, a costume contest, a raffle with prize giveaways and hot dogs for lunch. The Salisbury Elks Lodge Drug Awareness trailer was also on site. Members Kelly Davis and Tony Alfano gave out brochures, booklets and information about a variety of subjects including drugs, bullying, abuse, online dangers and more. It’s one of only four trailers in N.C. and is available for any local events free of charge. For more information, go to www.SalisburyElks.org or call the lodge at 704-636-1161.