Polar Bear Plunge
Ed Simmons Jr. and Carolyn Clarke, Reprinted, The Caroline Progress, February 6, 2008

Surely God smiled Saturday.

Certainly not because the price of heating oil continues its remorseless climb.

But because 38 heroic Caroline residents plunged into chilly Lake Caroline Saturday morning to help the impoverished pay crushing winter heating costs.

$9,888 has so far been raised at the 3rd Annual Polar Bear Plunge organized by Wright's Chapel United Methodist Church. "There is still some money to come in," said Molly Gee, ministry assistant to Pastor Charles Tillapaugh.

In the past two years Wright's Chapel averaged $4,000 before expanding The Plunge this year to include other churches, the schools and the community.

Answering the call from Rehoboth Methodist was Pastor Bob Lewandowski along with Robert Harting, Kelsey Hearn and Nicole Cutler. From Bethel and Bowling Green United Methodist Churches were Pastors Justin Williams and Bill Duganne.

St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church also joined in with Trevor Tatham, Bob Brooks and Mike Nowark plunging into the 36 degree water.

From Caroline High School were teachers David Lewis and Steven Scheuermann who were backed by the National Honor Society which raised over $800. Ladysmith Elementary School was also represented by teachers John Casullo and Mark Sparico.

From the Caroline community were the following stalwart and generous-minded folks Bowling Green Mayor David Storke, Sheriff Tony Lippa, Supervisor Maxie Rozell, Larry Franklin, Tim Connolly, Robert Harting, Eoin Connolly, Leah Wolter and Maggie Hayby.

The hardy Plungers from Wright's Chapel are almost too numerous to mention but The Caroline Progress will make room Hollyann Devenport, Gary Wintersgill, Michelle Williams, Susan Hafey, Pastor Charles Tillapaugh, Katie Carneal, R.W. Carneal, Louise Phelix, Steve Carneal, Tamara Feggans, Pete Davis, Kathy Johnson, Colten Senter, Travis Lilley, Jon Davis, Matthew Williams and Michael Williams.

St. Mary's got the idea of getting involved from Trevor Tatham, a student a Caroline Middle School and a parishioner. At his uncle's house a few weeks ago, he was reading in The Caroline Progress about The Plunge and suggested to his uncle Bob Brooks that he would like to plunge.

Bob replied, "Well if you take the plunge, then I will."

Then neighbor Mike Nowark said, "Well, then I’m in too!"

Each year, the plungers put on their wackiest attire and Gold Plungers are given out as trophies. The crazily-costumed Plungers included a ballerina in purple tutu, pigs in wigs, Hula dancers, the Statue of Liberty, "Miss South Carolina," and a frosty Freeze Pop.

To heat things up before the frosty dip, Trevor, Bob and Mike bopped out a wild Tahitian dance wearing traditional coconut bras and short hula skirts.

What zaniness!

And what a great cause! A crowd of about 200 were there at The Lodge at Lake Caroline to cheer the Plungers on.

This is a perfect example of the community and how Caroline comes together for a worthy cause," said Captain Scott Moser of the Sheriff's Office.

It will be interesting to see who else joins in for next year's 4th Annual Polar Bear Plunge.

To view pictures of the Plunge, Click Here.