More plungers prepare for cold swim - on south side of river

NEWS RELEASE

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE UNIVERSITY

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LSSU's TKE fraternity takes icy plunge for Special Olympics and urges community to join them

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – For the 10^th year in a row, members of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity at Lake Superior State University are convincing students and members of the community to jump into the icy St. Marys River for charity.

All you need is a minimum of $75, a crazy costume and courage to take part in the TKE/Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge this weekend on Saturday, February 18, at Rotary Park.

This is the second year that the plunge will raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Michigan athletes.

Plunge registration is scheduled to start at 9 a.m., followed by the parade of costumes and jumping into the river at 10 a.m.

The post-plunge party and awards ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. at Zim’s Restaurant and Lounge in downtown Sault Ste. Marie.

Last year, more than 50 people jumped into freezing water, raising more than $5,000.

Spectators are welcome.

TKE's Polar Plunge is one of 27 events planned throughout Michigan from January through March.

The annual event is known for its wacky costume contest where jumpers compete for the Golden Plunger Award for best costume.

All plungers will receive an official 2012 Polar Plunge T-shirt and incentive gifts for higher levels of fundraising, as well as entry into the post-plunge party.

Those who would prefer to stay on the top side of the ice may also collect donations to receive a T-shirt with the “Too Chicken to Plunge” logo and they are also invited to attend the awards party.     

The Polar Plunge is made possible by the Law Enforcement Torch Run, a group of police officers and corrections personnel committed to raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics Michigan.

Proceeds support the year-round sports training and athletic competition for 21,754 children and adults with intellectual disabilities who live in Michigan.

For more information on the event, or Special Olympics Michigan, visit here or call 800-644-6404.

To donate, text "SOMI ssm" to 52000.

Brave individuals interested in taking the plunge can register online or on site on the day of the event.

In addition to TKE and Zim's, this year's sponsors include LSSU Student Government, Sam’s Club, Fox 32 News and 9 and 10 News.

SOMI is a non-profit organization supported almost entirely by corporate and individual gifts and events, without support of state funds.

The generosity of Michigan organizations, individuals and statewide businesses enables the program to continue. 

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