Surgery Shenanigans duo take polar plunge, raise over $400 for Kentucky Special Olympics
By Josh Shepherd
The UK Surgery Shenanigans team increased its participation and fundraising to Kentucky Special Olympics for the annual 2017 Polar Plunge on Saturday morning, February 18. Three team members raised over $400 in charitable contributions, but only two went the distance and jumped into the pool.
The day was an unusually balmy February morning. Though the outside temperature did not quite reach the 60 degrees that was forecast, it was still warm enough to walk about without coats. To offset the early spring-like conditions of the day, organizers added a bag or two of ice to the pool to bring the water temperature to a bracing 36 degrees before the plunging commenced.
Hundreds attended the event. In addition to Surgery Shenanigans, the University of Kentucky was represented by the UK Police Department. The UKPD distinguished itself as the fourth overall event fundraising team with $2,311 raised to support Special Olympics.
Surgery Shenanigans team leader Pete Rogers, Division Administrator, wore his usual sport coat and tie for his fourth consecutive year Polar Plunge. First-timer Josh Shepherd, Editorial Officer with the Surgery Publications Department, went with swim trunks and tiki bar bowling shirt featuring a grass-skirted hula dancer on the back.
A third member of the team, Anthony Caradonna, was unable to attend the Polar Plunge itself. Nevertheless, his efforts added $125 to the team’s total contribution of $425.
Surgery Shenanigans was the last team to make the plunge during the official event, which was held in the parking lot of the Texas Roadhouse Steakhouse.
Overall, the experience of taking the plunge isn’t bad at all. The anticipation of the shock of jumping into the cold water exceeded the actual experience. And once in the water, the temperature outdoors feels like summer. Organizers had a large tent for people to change into dry clothing after their plunge and the heating inside was like a humid summer day in Kentucky.
Hopefully, Surgery Shenanigans presence at the Polar Plunge continues to grow.
One thing is for sure, I know I’ll be doing it again. Hope you can join me.
Still want to contribute to a good cause. There is still time to show support for Surgery Shenanigans and, most importantly, to Kentucky Special Olympics. Click here to contact Surgery Shenanigans donation page.
