The 2023 edition of the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office Polar Plunge raised more money than ever for the Special Olympics of North Carolina. According to a release from the office, the 2023 Polar Plunge generated more than $23,000 and involved 15 teams of 125 people splashing into Jordan Lake.

“The support for this event has been incredible,” said Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson, whose team was first to hit the water. “This is one of our most fun events and one of our most important because it helps make Special Olympics events possible not just here in Chatham County, but throughout the state.

Sponsors of the event included Mark Jacobson Toyota, Chatham County Schools and the North Chatham Fire Department.

On Saturday, February 25, the day of the Polar Plunge, temperatures hovered around 50 degrees. The release from the sheriff’s office described the waters of Jordan Lake as “bracing, challenging and chilly.”

The group of 125 Polar Plungers ranged from ages 5 to 65 and included both local students and educators. Fifteen participants came from nearby Seaforth High School, and Chatham Charter School took the event’s Top Fundraiser Cool School Award. Katie Scotten, a 3rd grade teacher at Chatham Charter, won the award for Top Individual Fundraiser.

“I just obviously have a love for kids,” Scotten said, “but I think any time you can give back to anything, especially a good cause like Special Olympics, it’s a great thing to do.”

 

Featured image via Chatham County Sheriff’s Office

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