Exciting news ... The 3rd Annual Mighty Madison Polar Plunge & Chili Cook-off has been scheduled for Saturday, March 14th, with plunging to begin at 2 p.m.!!! This event is an important fundraiser for Special Olympics Madison County. We're hoping you're ready to get freezin for a reason and participate this year! Challenge your family, friends, and neighbors to get in on the fun and consider plunging, too. Make it a competition by challenging others to see who can raise the most sponsorship money! Compete as pairs or teams! Plungers are only required to go waist deep into the river, but may submerge their whole bodies if they wish.
Top price for Plunger who submits most money in donation pledges: the coveted Golden Plunger and a zipline certificate for two, courtesy of French Broad Rafting and Ziplines in Marshall (valued at $150)! Costumes are not required, but plungers are encouraged to put on their thinking caps and come ready to plunge in a creative costume. The plunger wearing the winning costume will win a tasty prize ... 1 dozen delicious Zuma Gold cookies from Zuma in Marshall.
Top price for winning Chili Chef: the cherished Golden Spoon and $25 in certificates to Red Lobster in Asheville! So, it's time to whip out your favorite chili recipe and get to cooking! Challenge others you know to put on their apron and put their chili to the taste test, too!
The success of this program is very personal for me. My brother, Gary, has participated in Special Olympics since age 9 ... and at 51 is still enjoying it! The picture inserted at the end of this email was taken of him during a track competition at the 2014 SONC Summer Games in Raleigh. Athletes in Special Olympics enjoy the same thing all athletes enjoy ... a love of the sports they participate in, pride in demonstrating their skills during competitions, and the camaraderie that comes from being part of a group or team. Over the years I have volunteered in a variety of roles. I currently coach bocce and tennis, and have just recently taken on the role of Local Area Coordinator for Special Olympics Madison County.
Attached is a flyer with details about the event, registration forms with instructions on registration requirements, and a sponsorship pledge form for those who plunge. If you have problems with the files, questions about the event, or need assistance in anyway with registering, please let us know by replying to this email, emailing us at mightymadisonspecialolympics@gmail.com, or by calling the number listed below.
"I Survived" souvenir sweatshirts will be given to all participants who pre-register no later than February 18th (deadline noted on the registration forms is February 16th, but we can extend it a day or two and still get sweatshirts ordered in time). This includes participants in both the plunge and the chili cook-off. There are several other cool surprises planned for the event, so you won't want to miss out!
Those of us who volunteer with Special Olympics thoroughly enjoy being a part of such a special group of athletes. To us, it is a cherished privilege. We invite you to experience this privilege! Your help and consideration is tremendously appreciated ... by all of us who are part of Mighty Madison!!!
Sharon Cupstid (MHC Alumna)
Local Area Coordinator
Special Olympics Madison County
828-772-2971