Mar 20, 2015 | What Are We Up To?

2015 Polar Plunge

by Smother Teresa, a.k.a. Mindi White

A fearless group of 15 roller derby girls gathered at the edge of the ice. In front of them the cold depths of Lake Calhoun, behind them the cheering crowd with a special purpose. Cue the countdown.

Hands are joined.

Eyes are closed.

Hearts are racing.

Now for the jump.

Time stands still as feet hover over the rippling water.

And now the plunge.

These brave ladies committed to the end and plunged with the best of them. The total amount raised was $3,917 for Special Olympics Minnesota and many personal financial pledges were met. A big and heartfelt thanks to family, friends and fans who donated through the MNRG!

Kung POW Bitchin’ of the Dagger Dolls dedicated her jump to a small boy with special needs at Turtle Lake Elementary. She had skated with him a few weeks prior to the jump and “couldn’t help but think of him participating in all kinds of sports through the Special Olympics.”

BOOMbay Safire of the Atomic Bombshells was pumped to participate this year with no major injuries or sickness. She received a big hug from special fan and derby family member Tina, to whom she dedicated her jump. Tina’s shining enthusiasm and friendship is what inspired BOOMbay’s jump into the icy water.

Madame de Stompadour’s (Atomic Bombshells) favorite moment was pulling on her warm team socks after the icy plunge. She was driven to reach her fundraising goal and participate in whatever way she could. Madame’s heart is especially drawn to all the charitable works which benefit the community that the MNRG is able to participate in.

Shotgun Millie, co-captain of the Dagger Dolls shares this hilarious experience. “My favorite moment was jumping in with my Co-Captain, Killsey McMurder, and hearing her yell emphatically “GET OUT! GET OUT! GET OUT! GET OUT!” I ran as fast as I could to the stairs! I was never more painfully aware that running in water is, well, just walking. BRR!” Millie’s mom is a retired special ed teacher and that is what inspired her to do the plunge and support this organization.

Where else can you join together with friends and teammates and raise money for a good cause? This is at the heart of all that MNRG values. Communities thrive when people care about others. Raising awareness by jumping into a frozen lake in the middle of winter is just one of many ways to do it. Can’t wait for the next one!