Polar Plunge 2023
At the end of 2020 and at the suggestion of an ARC founding member, we decided to do a “polar plunge” at Wekiwa Springs - one of our weekly run destinations. Since the water is always 72°F (22.2°c), it was a tongue-in-cheek idea but we “ran” with it anyway. So on January 1, 2021, we took the plunge and inadvertently created a tradition. We even managed to raise $630 to support the Wekiva Wilderness Trust. Not a bad feat for a club that was just two months old and had less than 150 members.
The event was such a success that ARC board members decided to create initiatives to support our “Community” and “Conservation” - two things that our runners are passionate about, second to running.
The idea was to pick two beneficiaries and help support them through various methods such as fundraising, volunteering, and raising awareness all year long.
For the Polar Plunge 2022, we partnered with Matthew's Hope (Community) and Bear Warriors United (Conservation). Some of our year’s highlights include:
Raised over 1,000 dollars for beneficiaries
Collected over 100 pairs of shoes
Hosted food drives and collected non perishable foods
Raised funds to purchase fruit bearing trees for bears
Raised awareness, communicated needs, and mission of both beneficiaries
For 2023, the ARC is proud to announce that we are partnering with Second Chance Animal Rescue and Adopting A Road. Both of these initiatives touch on Community and Conservation, so it’s a win-win.
Our 2023 initiatives include:
Raising donations for Second Chance
Volunteer opportunities at their center
Group volunteer opportunities at the center
Foster pet runs at some of our weekly scheduled run meet ups “Run with a rescue”
Possibly over night pet foster care
Promote pets in need and up for adoption/fostering
For the Adopt-A-Road initiative, we will host clean ups at least six times a year for the next two years.
Additionally, ARC also has secured funds from our members and intends to acquire our own 501(c)(3) status during 2023, so that we can continue serving the community for years to come.
The Polar Plunge will be our official kick-off for our fundraising efforts this year! We hope to see you there.
2023 Polar Plunge Event Details:
Who: Apopka Run Club and you!
What: After our run, we’ll do a “Polar Plunge” into the the spring to raise awareness and start collecting donations benefiting Second Chance Animal Rescue. (No you don’t have to run, no you don’t have to jump - just come out and support).
Where: Wekiwa Springs State Park. Meet near the spring head parking lot (first right after going through guard gate). Park entry fee (if not a pass holder) is $4 single-occupant vehicle or $6 per vehicle, up to 8 passengers. If you’re a pass holder, we encourage you to come in before the park opens. If not a pass holder, we encourage you to arrive before the gate opens at 8 am, as the line can build up quickly.
When: Sunday, January 1, 2023 - Run is at 8:15 am (just after park opens and allowing time to park); Plunge will be at 9 am.
Why: because we want to help the community!
Meet the Founders - Second Chance Animal Rescue
Ali and Nick Yocca started rescuing animals over 10 years ago, starting with their first rescue, Chance; an American bulldog who at the time, was an older puppy. Ali and Nick love animals so much, they would get calls from friends, family, and friends of friends and family to help a pet in need. In 2019, they got a call from a family member to help rescue Rosy from owners who wanted to surrender her rather than take her to the vet. Rosy, was a look-a-like to Chance. their first rescue and the inspiration of the name “Second Chance Animal Rescue and Sanctuary”.
Ali and Nick have several rescues of their own and continue to answer the call for animals in need. Their purpose is to give dogs and cats a second chance at life. Many come from abusive and/or neglectful situations and need extra love and care to restore their faith in humans (and sometimes other animals). They provide medical, training, and socialization that is required to give them a new lease on life. Once they feel an animal is ready for adoption, they go through a strict vetting process for potential adopters to make sure the rescue finds its furever home. Any animal that can’t overcome these obstacles will stay with Ali and Nick in their sanctuary for the rest of their lives.
“We know we are not capable of saving them all, but we take pride in knowing we have saved some and will continue to save as many as we can. For those we have rescued, fostered, and reunited, we have made a difference in their lives, and they have made a difference in ours. If you are able, please help us in our mission!”
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 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 2023, 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 2023 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 Second Chance?
Of course! You can donate directly to Second Chance Animal Rescue 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.
