Did you know only 10 percent of the children in Haiti get a shot at an education because there are not enough schools? All you have to do is get into cold water on January 21 to help kids get into school.
Started in 2010, the Deep Freeze Dunk at Fish Lake Regional Park was seen as a fun way to generate attention and raise money for the cause; and it seems to be working. Last year the dunk event raised a little more than $15,000. The event sponsor Maple Grove Rotary Club combines the money raised at the event with funds from Rotary Clubs around the world, as part of the Rotary Partnership for Haiti. So far the Rotary Partnership for Haiti has raised enough money to build a secondary school in Haiti for more than 400 students, and work on building a second school has begun.
Feeling a little hesitant about taking the cold plunge? “The water is not that bad,” reassures veteran dunker and Maple Grove Rotary President Tony Kieffer, who admits he’s gone back for icy seconds. Kieffer does acknowledge the onsite authentic wood-burning sauna helps lessen the chill dunkers have, but calls the water “refreshing.”
Another enticing aspect of the dunk is the costume contest. Come dressed as Elvis, Lady Gaga, a taco, or just wear a bikini–it’s up to you. Remember, though, the purpose of the dunk is to fund the build of schools in Haiti, so each participant is required to raise $75. Along with enduring a frosty dip, it’s a small price to pay to educate kids.
11:30 a.m. registration; 1 p.m. dunk
Pavilion at Fish Lake Regional Park
14900 Bass Lake Rd.; Maple Grove
