Do you Dare Take the Plunge | The Greenbrier Valley Polar Bear Plunge is on March 10, 2012

Do you dare take the plunge for the 9th Annual Greenbrier Valley Polar Bear Plunge on Saturday, March 10, 2012, beginning at 1: p.m at the Blue Bend Recreation Area in the Monongahela National Forest.

A “must see” annual event in the Greenbrier Valley and all proceeds benefit the 501-c-3, non-profit Child and Youth Advocacy Center (CYAC) in Lewisburg, an organization that interviews and counsels sexually abused children in Greenbrier and Pocahontas counties. In the last four years, polar bear members have raised over $10,000 for the CYAC.

Since 2001, over 80 individuals have earned their polar bear membership cards by plunging into the icy waters of Anthony Creek during the month of March. Last year, 40 kindred spirits dipped into the 39 degree water while spectators cheered on their favorite plungers. A new edition to the yearly event was the Greenbrier East Jr. ROTC Color Guard and the trumpet playing of the National Anthem while standing on the Blue Bend swinging bridge.

Sponsorships are:

Poppa Bear ($100)

Momma Bear ($50) and

BabyBear ($25)

“This event is growing each year and it's a blast,” Monica Acord, CYAC executive director, said. “Blue Bend in the Monongahela National Forest is beautiful and the perfect place for a plunge. Please bring your kids and the whole family to watch the fun and sponsor a plunger.”

The one-hour event also includes club members singing the “Ode to Polar Bear” song, the Polar Bear Spirit Award winner presentation and a giant American Flag hung from the swinging bridge. Scheduled plungers include Lewisburg Mayor John Manchester, retired WV State Police Captain Jan Cahill and retired Rear Admiral Jay Bowling, who will also present a flag to the Polar Bear Spirit Award winner.

“This year’s event is going to be bigger and better than ever. Our goal is to raise over $5,000 and to see at least 60 plungers race into in the water," said Greenbrier Polar Bear vice-president Ginger Steele.

The CYAC's mission is to end child abuse in Greenbrier, Monroe, and Pocahontas Counties of WV by coordinating a multidisciplinary response to child maltreatment through utilizing a team approach to investigation, prosecution, treatment and prevention.

For more information on how to sponsor the plunge, contact the

CYAC at 304-645-4668 or

visit Greenbrier Valley Polar Bear Plunge Club

Spectators are welcomed, and new members encouraged!