Freezin’ for a reason: Polar Plunge nets $4,400 for Special Olympics

Eighteen volunteers braved chilly weather and frigid water on Saturday, diving into the lake at Griffin Hill Lodge to raise money for Special Olympics in the Anson County Sheriff’s Office’s first-ever Polar Plunge.

Organizers called the Polar Plunge a great success as participants and sponsors raised $4,422.91, more than half of the Anson County Special Olympics’ $8,000 fundraising goal for the year. Several other fundraisers are planned to collect the remaining cash.

“I would like to thank all the plungers, volunteers and everyone who donated to make this a successful event,” said sheriff’s Lt. Brian Tice.

He and wife Jennifer Tice organized the event with help from sheriff’s office and community volunteers.

“Lieutenant Tice and his wife, Jennifer, have done a great job of starting Special Olympics in Anson County and we just hope that it continues,” said Anson County Sheriff Landric Reid.

Owners Al and Phyllis Griffin donated the use of Griffin Hill Lodge in the White Store township south of Wadesboro for the event.

Plungers included participants from the Anson Rescue Squad, Anson County Sheriff’s Office, Brown Creek Baptist Church youth group, Polkton Police Department, Griffin Motor Sports and Southern Fabricators of Polkton, Carolinas Health Care System-Anson, Anson County 911, Anson County Early College and Deep Creek Baptist Church.

The event was made possible with the help of Boy Scouts of America Troops 170 and 589.

Miss Addison Rayne Williams, the USA National Miss Southern Coast Jr. Princess, assisted the plungers by handing out towels after their frigid jump.

Statewide, 25 local groups planned Polar Plunge events as fundraisers for Special Olympics games between Feb. 6 and March 26, according to Special Olympics North Carolina. Law enforcement agencies are often presenting sponsors of the athletic events for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

“I want to do more in Anson County to make people aware of the situation that these parents go through and how special these kids are,” said Anson County Commissioner Vancine Sturdivant.

She challenged Reid to take the plunge, pledging a $500 donation from her organization, Faith-Based Center of Hope. The sheriff jumped in, pushing the day’s fundraising total above the $4,000 mark.

Tracey Brewer is a freelance correspondent for The Anson Record.

Tracey Brewer | For the Record USA National Miss Southern Coast Jr. Princess Addison Rayne Williams helped hand out towels at the event.

https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_Polar-Plunge-2016-Addison-Williams-fz.jpgTracey Brewer | For the Record USA National Miss Southern Coast Jr. Princess Addison Rayne Williams helped hand out towels at the event.

Tracey Brewer | For the Record Special Olympics athlete Coleman Burr spoke at the event to thank everyone for their support.

https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_Polar-Plunge-2016-Coleman-Burr-fz.jpgTracey Brewer | For the Record Special Olympics athlete Coleman Burr spoke at the event to thank everyone for their support.

Tracey Brewer | For the Record Sheriff Landric Reid made the first plunge of the event.

https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_Polar-Plunge-2016-Sheriff-Reid-fz.jpgTracey Brewer | For the Record Sheriff Landric Reid made the first plunge of the event.

Tracey Brewer | For the Record County commissioner Vancine Sturdivant, third from left, prayed before the event.

https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_Polar-Plunge-2016-Vancine-Sturdivant-fz.jpgTracey Brewer | For the Record County commissioner Vancine Sturdivant, third from left, prayed before the event.

Tracey Brewer | For the Record Dozens of volunteers helped make the Polar Plunge possible.

https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_Polar-Plunge-2016-Volunteers-fz.jpgTracey Brewer | For the Record Dozens of volunteers helped make the Polar Plunge possible.

Tracey Brewer | For the Record Addison Rayne Williams, the 2016 USA National Miss Southern Coast Jr. Princess, handed out towels to participants after their plunge on Saturday.

https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_Polar-Plunge-2016-Addison-R.-Williams-fz.jpgTracey Brewer | For the Record Addison Rayne Williams, the 2016 USA National Miss Southern Coast Jr. Princess, handed out towels to participants after their plunge on Saturday.