Anyone craving a dip in the pool can get their fix Jan. 30.
The fourth annual Polar Plunge benefitting the Lee County Special Olympics will take place from 9-11 a.m. at Samford Pool.
Dana Stewart, director of Lee County Special Olympics, said the water was approximately 36 degrees last year, but that didn't stop a sizable crowd.
"It's been fun to watch it grow," Stewart said.
The event started four years ago in event organizer Ryan Molt's backyard pool. He said his co-worker at Auburn's parks and recreation department, Alison Hall, suggested it.
"We decided to have some fun with it, and it's kind of grown from there," Molt said.
Though polar plunges are common fundraisers for special olympics teams across the country, Molt added a new portion last year: incorporating the high dives. This year, he is trying to organize a fundraising competition between businesses where representatives from the losing business have to do the plunge and Arctic Dive. So far, he said Loco's Grill and Pub has challenged the Draft House.
"That water is pretty hard when you hit it," Molt said.
This year, Stewart said she hopes to have three groups of jumpers.
People don't have to take the plunge to participate. Stewart said jumpers raise money for Special Olympics through sponsorships.
"We take anything," Stewart said. "We don't even refuse a penny."
Stewart said funds go toward uniforms, equipment and fees to go to state, national and world tournaments.
"We're a nonprofit organization ... we depend on the funds from this event," Stewart said.
Special Olympics athletes and their families will also be there cheering on the crowd, and Aubie and the Chick-fil-A cow will make a special appearance.
Stewart said a feature of the Polar Plunge is the costume contest. Local restaurants and businesses donated gift cards for the winners.
"Come out with a warm heart, even though it's going to be cold," Stewart said.
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