On Saturday February 22, the 12th annual Lehigh Valley Polar Plunge (Freezin’ for a Reason) took place in Scott Park in Easton. The weather wasr clear, cool but not cold. Over 600 people braved the chilly water of the Delaware River to raise money for Special Olympics.

Entertainment was provided by D.J. Joe Franzo; and radio personalities Sam and Hanna from Cat Country 96. Polar Plunge gear, including “I’m too Chicken to Plunge” T-shirts were sold. Wawa provided free treats and coffee and hot cocoa.

Festivities included snowsuit races and dances. Many of the plungers dressed in costumes, and a costume competition took place on the stage before the plunge. Finally, the plunges began. Plungers were assigned to groups, to limit the number of people in the water at one time. Spectators watched from above the plunge area.

Plungers raised money for the Special Olympics. All together the event raised over $110,000 for the Special Olympics.

So why jump into a chilly water in your swimsuit or costume for the Special Olympics? Participants shared their stories:

Jeffrey Kovacs, of Bethlehem, a teacher for Colonial IU 20, said, “This is my second year doing it. Basically knowing that the money raised is going towards special olympics and that it is associated with my job that I want to do it for all the students and athletes that will compete.

(My) favorite part would be the rush of when you first jump in. I’ve swam all the way to the end and always go all the way under and will continue to do so every year.”

Caterina Campbell, head of the Colonial IU 20 Parent Support TEAM, said, “This is the first year that the Colonial IU20 Parent Support TEAM participated in the Polar plunge. What inspired us to do something so extreme is how much the Special Olympics does for our children. We wanted to be part of helping raise money so that these amazing activities can continue to bring joy to so many children and adults with disabilities.

The whole event was amazing, we had a blast and can’t wait to participate next year.”

Providing the entertainment, Joe Franzo said, “I started as DJ and MC of the Polar Plunge in February 2017. I was asked by the organizers to provide my services, and I was happy to do so. When i did it the first year, it was such an amazing event that I volunteer every year. I would hate to miss it! The amount of support seen by parents and volunteers for all the Special Olympics participants is wonderful. The number of people lunging, supporting Special Olympics fundraising and awareness is incredible. I love the excitement of the day, and the fact that it brings everyone together for the good of the children who benefit from the event. I hope they keep asking me back!”

You can still donate to the Special Olympics through the polar plunge by visiting https://www.classy.org/event/2020-lehigh-valley-polar-plunge/e256246