Julie McCombs
Miss Greater Greer Teen Emma Kate Rhymer is co-hosting "Freezin' For A Reason" polar plunge Saturday. The public is invited.
“Freezin’ for a Reason” is the fundraiser Brown and Rhymer will host Saturday from 3-4 p.m. – regardless of rain, snow or freezing temperatures. And the forecast, 41-36 degrees with 20 percent icy mix, is all but guaranteeing 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 to attend 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.
Emma Kate Rhymer and GreerToday.com conducted a 5 on 5 interview about Saturday’s polar plunge. Anna Brown’s will appear Friday.
GreerToday: Did you have Feb. 21 circled in advance without any idea of what the weather would be like leading up to “Freezin’ For A Reason”?
Emma Kate: Honestly, we just picked a random Saturday in February because we knew it would be cold. There is no special reason for the date.
GT: Is the idea to take a plunge and then get out of the pool as quickly as possible or is there some kind of “rules” you are encouraging?
Emma Kate: There are no particular rules, all you have to do is jump in. Most people will jump in and get out as quickly as they can.
GT: While promoting this with friends and associates of the Miss Greater Greer Scholarship Pageant, has any strategy been discussed?
Emma Kate: The only thing I have heard from everyone is how cold it will be, and how fast they are going to swim out of the water. I cannot wait to see everyone's faces when they jump in.
GT: Will the “Polar Plunge” go down as one of the craziest/most unique fundraisers you will ever have participated?
Emma Kate: The polar plunge is definitely the craziest fundraiser that I will have done. I have never jumped in a pool while it has been cold, only during the summer. But there is a first time for everything. And this is a great cause.
GT: What would your mother say if you weren’t Miss Greater Greer Teen and told her that you and some friends would be diving in an outdoor pool on a cold February day where there was a chance of snow?
Emma Kate: My mother would say, “Honey, you are absolutely crazy. But better you than me.” She is not someone who likes to be cold.