Centre County YMCA Polar Bear Plunge to Benefit Residents in Need

Taking a dip in the waters of Black Moshannon State Park, even when the air temperature is near freezing, isn’t all that difficult.

Just ask Liz Toukonen, who’s about to take the plunge for the 14th time.

“It’s really not that bad,” said Toukonen, executive director of child care services for the YMCA of Centre County, which holds its 14th annual Polar Bear Plunge at the park Saturday, Dec. 3.

“The atmosphere really kind of adds to it,” she said. “Everyone is excited to get in the water and get it over with. You’re running in, you’re going under and coming out.”

Some participants note that it’s something to mark off their bucket list, she said.

But the main draw, she said, is that the plunge is “for a great cause. It’s unique.”

The event benefits the Y’s Open Doors financial assistance and Backpack Weekend Food programs. Both programs help local children, adults and families with limited financial resources.

The Centre County Y currently provides more than 850 backpacks of food every weekend to students in seven school districts. Every week volunteers come together to prepare the backpacks.

The backpacks help needy children get through the weekend, when school lunches are not available.

“There is a tremendous amount of need out there,” Toukonen said.

The packs contain a breakfast, a lunch and a dinner, a couple of fruits and a snack.

The backpacks may include such things as soups, ravioli, Pop-Tarts, crackers, apples, raisins, peaches, oatmeal and cereals, Toukonen said.

The Open Doors program ensures that no one is turned away from the Y because of an inability to pay. The program has given families, adults and youths the opportunity to participate in programs such as child care, summer camp and youth sports, among others. More than $400,000 in YMCA memberships and programs were given back to the community through Open Doors in 2015.

“One hundred percent stays in the community and is given right back to people,” Toukonen said.

The plunge usually attracts about 100 plungers and 100 spectators, but varies depending on the weather, she said.

The festivities begin Dec. 3 at 9:30 a.m. with registration, raffles, snacks and hot beverages. A 10 a.m. warmup includes disc jockey Ricky LaPean and a Zumba workout. The plunge takes place at 11 a.m.

While plungers can register the morning of the event, Toukonen noted that it’s best to do so in advance and collect pledges. The minimum donation for plungers 16 and older is $50, while the minimum for those under 16 is $25.

The event includes refreshments, prizes and a post-plunge celebration at the Philipsburg Elks Lodge and Country Club.

And perhaps most important, there are warming tents for those brave plungers, Toukonen said.

To learn more, register or sponsor a plunger, visit www.ymcaocc.org.