Polar Plunge 2022
During December 2020, Apopka Run Club members collectively raised $630 to benefit the Wekiva Trust. Not a bad feat for a club that was just two months old and had less than 150 members. It was clear at that moment that community and conservation would be an integral part of ARC’s identity. The fundraising efforts culminated with a January 2021 “Polar Plunge,” where members leaped into the “icy” (72 degrees) springs at Wekiwa Springs State Park.
For this year's Polar Plunge, we’ve decided to dive a little deeper and pledged to support two charities: Matthew's Hope (community) and Bear Warriors United (conservation). Furthermore, ARC plans to raise funds and awareness not just for one month but all year long. Throughout 2022, we’ll have additional fundraising events, supply drives, and volunteer opportunities.
The Polar Plunge will be our official kick-off for our fundraising efforts this year! We hope to see you there.
Meet the Founders - Bear Warriors
Katrina Shadix, an environmental scientist and founder of Bear Warriors United, advocates for conserving and protecting our water, land, air, and wildlife - and specifically for the protection of bears. She began the organization in response to the misguided effort several years ago to kill bears in Florida. Katrina teaches about restoring wildlife habitats, promotes Wildlife Food Gardening and provides the tools for citizens to peacefully co-exist with wildlife. She is a tireless advocate for protecting bears, not just in Florida, but all around the country.
Meet the Founders - Matthew’s Hope
Scott Billue is the Founder, CEO and President of Matthew’s Hope Ministries, Inc., an outreach opened on March 30, 2010 to help meet basic needs and lend a hand up to the homeless men, women, and children of our community; however the methodology of Matthew’s Hope is to successfully move people from homelessness into a life of independence and self-sustainability. Scott is very much known for his innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, for being outspoken and for his “going against the grain” one stop with accountability approach to homelessness, which often places him in direct opposition to the local “standard’ or “norm”. Having been homeless himself, it is Scott’s belief that the structurally challenged are a concern best addressed when the entire community comes together to meet this issue head on.
WHAT?
ARC’s official kick-off to 2022 fundraising efforts with a 20-min out / 20-min back run followed by a jump into the springs at Wekiwa Springs State Park!
WHEN?
Saturday, January 1, 2022
Run starts at 8:00am*, Plunge is at 9:00am
*Please note, the park opens at 8:00am. If you are not a Florida state park pass holder, we suggest you get there prior to 8:00am and wait in line by the gate for entry.
WHERE?
Wekiwa Springs State Park (1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712)
Meet near spring head parking lot, first right after going through ranger station guard gate.
*Please note, unless you have a Florida state park pass, the cost of entry into the park is $6 per vehicle (up to eight people) / $4 per single-occupant vehicle. Cash and card are both accepted.
Support your community!
While donations are not required to participate in the Polar Plunge, they are strongly encouraged as your financial contribution will directly benefit the Apopka community.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I have to sign up for the Polar Plunge?
There is no sign-up needed! We’d appreciate it if you RSVP’d to the event on Facebook HERE.
Otherwise, just show up to Wekiwa Springs State Park on Saturday, January 1st at 8:00am if you plan on runnin’ and 9:00am if you plan on plungin’. Be sure to head to the springhead parking lot once you enter the park by taking the first right after going through the ranger station guard gate.
Do I have to run?
No, not at all! You can jump in the spring without taking part in the run. Please note, the plunge will be taking place after the run at 9:00am.
Do I have to go into the water AKA take the "Plunge"?
No, not at all! Whether you plan to run, take the plunge, or just come to show support, all are welcomed and encouraged to attend this event. It’s meant as a fun way to raise awareness and support community and conservation in the Central Florida region.
How can I donate?
We prefer donations via the donate button on the website above. However, cash donations are also accepted. At this time, checks are not accepted.
Do I have to donate today?
While it is welcomed and encouraged, no, not at all! Throughout 2022, there will be plenty of ways to show support for our community and conservation efforts. You can also bring your pledged support to the event itself! Please note, checks are not accepted at this time.
Furthermore, if you are unable to provide financial contributions, there are plenty of other ways to get involved—volunteer efforts, supply drives, etc. Keep an eye on upcoming ARC events to find out more or reach out to us directly.
I can’t make it to this event, how can I still get involved?
We’d love it if you could make a financial contribution to the cause right now by clicking the “Donate Today!” button above. There will also be plenty of opportunities throughout 2022 to show your support. Our Facebook page is the best way to stay informed of ARC's latest news and events.
Can I donate directly to Matthew’s Hope and/or Bear Warriors United?
Of course! You can donate directly to Matthew’s Hope here and Bear Warriors United by emailing them here. If you wouldn’t mind, please tell them that ARC sent you so we can keep track of our efforts.
I just want to run with the club and not be a part of ARC's community and conservation efforts. Is that okay?
Abso-friggin-lutely! These efforts are meant to further enrich the community that ARC members already take part in. Just showing up to an ARC group run meet up means so much to the community and your health.
Can you tell me more about this year’s beneficiaries?
We take pride in carefully considering and partnering with organizations that truly want to make a difference as opposed to simply checking a box or collecting a check. These partners have been recognized for their efforts to grow the community and/or support conservation. This year, we have selected the following organizations to focus on:
Matthew’s Hope -Their mission is to move people from homelessness into a life of independence and self-sustainability. Your contribution will help families in need with housing, basic needs such as clothing and hygiene, and child education.
Bear Warriors United - Their mission is to protect Florida black bears from urban expansion. Currently, they are raising money to build an 800-acre facility to rehabilitate injured black bears. As of right now, there are no active facilities in Florida and any injured bears must be put down.
