February 1, 2008

Plungers are usually used for clearing toilet back-ups, but they can also be pretty neat clothing accessories too.

“He wanted to wear plungers on the head, but his father said absolutely not,” said Claire Crain, Mother of Polar Plunge Participant.

For one local guy it's his favorite piece of his Polar Plunge costume. He’s just one member of the ‘3 plungeteers’, a group that also includes his father and a friend. Their costumes will have two themes, UVa Cavilers and the 3 Musketeers. Hunters’ mother has been working on the costumes for several weeks.

When Hunter’s not getting ready for the plunge, he spends most of his time taking classes at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center.
However, this week he's traveling a few hundred miles down interstate 64 to take a dip into the Atlantic Ocean for the 16th annual Polar Plunge.

"I think it's something everybody should try doing,” said Hunter Crain, Polar Plunge Participant.

Everyone may not be brave enough to jump into the cold water but a few thousand are expected to participate. Last year about 3500 people came out for the cause.

This very unique fundraiser will benefit the Special Olympics here in Virginia. Money will go to area programs for sports and other recreational activities. Just last year Hunter raised over 10 thousand dollars, which is 75 percent of the operational cost for programs here in this area.

Hunter’s not the only one from the area participating. 10 officers from the Albemarle County Police Department will also be jumping into the chilly water.

“The wind gets to you -- when you finally run and you hit the sand and that first touch of water really wakes you up and you start wondering why you're really doing this,” said Cpl. Mike Hintz, Polar Plunge Participant.

The Special Olympics is hoping to raise $1 million with the Polar Plunge Fundraiser. Last year they raised close to 800 thousand.