It’s almost time for the mid-winter tradition when record crowds of spectators and jumpers dressed in crazy costumes converge on Lake Anne Plaza, Reston for the 12th Freezin’ for a Reason Virginia Polar Dip. Join us Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 12:30 PM with music by Danny DJ and family friendly activities. At 2:00 PM the Polar Dip begins! Participants and spectators will celebrate after the final splash at Kalypso’s Sports Tavern with food and drink specials to commemorate this annual tradition on Lake Anne.
Registered participants will take the plunge either by canon-ball jump or a “Chicken Dip” – to raise funds for Camp Sunshine. The Virginia Polar Dip is a fundraiser for Camp Sunshine, a national year-round retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The Virginia Polar Dip was started by Northern Virginia based family the Toths after a long history with Camp Sunshine. They first attended Camp Sunshine as a participating family in 1996 when their daughter Jennifer was a cancer patient at age 3, and they have returned as volunteers every summer since. After Jennifer participated in a Camp Sunshine Polar Dip in New Jersey, her family decided to bring the event to Virginia in order to help more local families. Every year, Jennifer dedicates her birthday (this year the day after the Polar Plunge) to raise awareness and celebrate her victory over cancer. Since the events inception, 1,806 people have participated in the Virginia Polar Dip raising over $761,000 for the camp.
Camp Sunshine is nestled alongside the shores of beautiful Sebago Lake in Maine and provides respite, support, joy, and hope to children with life-threatening illnesses and their immediate families through various stages of a child’s illness.
This year’s goal is to raise $100,000, which will allow 40 families from the Mid-Atlantic area (including VA/MD/DC/DE/PA/WV/NC) to attend Camp Sunshine. Through pledges or self-sponsorship, each participant will raise/donate a minimum of $100 for the opportunity to plunge into the frigid waters, and will receive a commemorative “I DID IT” event shirt. Spectators are welcome to come and cheer for the plungers.
The event is sponsored by: Kalypso’s Sports Tavern, David Madison Photography, Lake Anne Village Center, Reston Community Center, Salon Khouri, Ourisman Chantilly Toyota, Reston Association, Fairfax County Cold Water Dive Team, Manor Works Painting, Loebig Chiropractic & Rehab, and Onelife Fitness.
Register Online Today! For more information about the event or to register to participate, visit www.freezinforareason.com or become a Facebook Fan (Virginia Polar Dip) and view pictures from previous Dips.
EVENT DETAILS
What: 12th Freezin’ for a Reason Virginia Polar Dip
When: Saturday, February 1, 2020
Where: Lake Anne Plaza (Waterfront) – 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston, VA 20190
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Registration, Music, Activities, Post-Dip Celebration). Actual Polar Dip Begins at 2:00 PM
Websites: www.freezinforareason.com, www.campsunshine.org, www.lakeanneplaza.com.
Cost: $100 minimum donation to plunge and is open to anyone willing to brave the elements for a good cause. Free to spectators. Rain or Shine (will be rescheduled if major snow storm is forecast).
Social Media: @LakeAnnePlaza @GoCampSunshine #VirginiaPolarDip
About Camp Sunshine
Founded in 1984, Camp Sunshine provides retreats combining respite, recreation and support, while enabling hope and promoting joy, for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families through the various stages of a child’s illness.
Camp Sunshine’s program is offered year-round and has the distinction of having been designed to serve the entire family in a retreat model. The program is free of charge to families and includes on-site medical support. Bereavement sessions are also offered for families who have experienced the death of a child from a supported illness. www.campsunshine.org
About Lake Anne Plaza
Lake Anne Plaza is the historic “heart and soul” of Reston, Virginia and the center of local living in our community. Reminiscent of a European coastal village where people live, work and play, this spectacular community nestled around a lake, is one of the few places in Northern Virginia where you can dine or shop at independently owned establishments. From our fine restaurants to unique boutiques to the seasonal Farmer’s Market, Lake Anne Plaza embodies the best of living local. A destination spot for residents and visitors alike, Lake Anne prides itself on being internationally recognized as one of the finest examples of the modern planned community. Lake Anne architecture has graced the cover of dozens of national and international magazines. www.lakeanneplaza.com
Photo credit: DavidMadisonPhotography.com
