Leigh Clement Photo
Miss Greater Greer Anna Brown will co-host "Freezin' For A Reason" polar plunge Saturday that ironically falls at the end of the coldest week recorded in Greer in years.
“Freezin’ for a Reason” is the fundraiser Brown and Rhymer will co-host Saturday from 3-4 p.m. – regardless of rain, snow or freezing temperatures. And the forecast, 43-37 degrees with 20 percent icy mix, is threatening all three possibilities. The event is at 109 Peachtree Drive in Greer.
Clemson University and Greer High School athletes will be among the participants.
The cost for the plunge or making a donation is $10. All funds will be contributed to the Children’s Miracle Network, the beneficiary of the Miss South Carolina Scholarship Organization.
Participants must sign a waiver before jumping and if under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must sign it. Email organizers [email protected] or [email protected] for more information.
Anna Brown and GreerToday.com conducted a 5 on 5 interview about Saturday’s polar plunge.
GreerToday: How did “Freezin’ For A Reason” come to being and on Feb. 21 – clearly in the middle of our coldest part of winter of the past several years?
Anna Brown: There are so many fundraisers out there that we were looking for a fundraiser that was different and would call attention to Children’s Miracle Network, catch the attention of the community and had the potential to raise a large amount of money at the same time. This was different, for sure, and a lot of other organizations such as the Special Olympics have been very successful with this.
We chose the date simply because it was the only Saturday that we have open until the end of March. And yes, it’s cold but if people in Pennsylvania can jump in a lake in January surely we can jump in a pool in February.
We are praying that the weather holds off but if it doesn’t it might make it even more fun … snow!
GT: Have you taken the opportunity to offer a special challenge to some friends/groups/family to join the fun? Kind of like a dare all in the name of support?
Anna: YES!!! We have several Clemson Tiger football players joining us. I am a junior at Clemson and one of our former Yellow Jackets, Tyrone Crowder, now plays for Clemson. I recruited him to bring some of his buddies. They in turn have challenged the Greer High Yellow Jackets to take the plunge. Of course, this challenge is open to everyone. People young and old are encouraged to dive in.
GT: Since this will be a friend’s house I would think warm towels, a hot fireplace, hot chocolate/tea and other amenities could be available. Have you made any requests for the guests participating?
Anna: We will be providing hot chocolate, some snacks and a fire pit. There will be a place for those participating to get out of the weather. However, participants will need to bring their own towels. We are on a time frame of 3 – 4 p.m. only.
GT: Where will the Polar Plunge 2015 rank in your list of things you never thought you would dare do or yet organize?
Anna: I’m not sure I have ever done anything so daring! But what a great way to draw attention to Children’s Miracle Network. The cost to “Plunge” is $10. All the money raised will go directly to this organization. If you can’t attend or participate, donations can be made in any amount here.
GT: I would think you are watching the weather report. What would be the best you could hope for? Or does the colder, wintry mix forecast offer a more challenging fundraiser. Do participants get a badge or some recognition like, “I survived the Miss Greater Greer Scholarship Freezin’ For A Reason”?
Anna: Actually, we haven’t thought about the badge idea but it’s a great one. We are just hoping for a good turnout regardless of the weather. We have no idea how many people will show up. We encourage people in the community to join us. It will be a first. We are encouraging Greer to show up. It’s for anyone that wants to give it a try.