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Interviews - RAVENS ROOSTS PLUNGE ICY WATERS FOR GREAT CAUSE
And bring smiles to the athletes of Special Olympics Maryland
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Posted On: 2/11/07
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Each year, warm hearted participants plunge into the frigid waters of the Chesapeake Bay on the last Saturday in January. Many question the sanity of these participants and wonder aloud, “Are these people nuts?”
Hardly!
These wonderful and giving people are devoting their time and bodily comfort zones to raise money for Special Olympics Maryland, the state’s largest year-round organization devoted to sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
The Ravens Roosts have become heavily involved in the event and it is now being promoted as a day of fun and excitement while benefiting the needy and worthy athletes that compete in the Special Olympics programs.
Recently I had an opportunity to discuss the event with a few members of Ravens Roost 50, why they participate and the personal rewards that are naturally a byproduct of their participation.
Tony Lombardi: Why did you get involved in the plunge?
Glen Nigrin, Vice President, Council of Baltimore Ravens Roosts: One of our Members Regina Sidlowski actually got Ravens Roost 50 started in this Charity. She had previously plunged and shared her experience with us.
Don Miller, President Ravens Roost 50: I got involved with the Polar Bear Plunge when Roost 50 decided to form a team in 2003 for the 7th annual dip into the Chesapeake. It was the first time that our club participated, and we jumped in with some of the other Roosts in the Council of Baltimore Ravens Roosts. I had heard of the event and thought that the participants were just plain crazy. I always told people that I’d never do anything like get into water that’s below 40 degrees, even if it’s for a good cause. I’d just send a check.
TL: I hear you Don. I’m down with that idea.
Steve Pearce, Officer Ravens Roost 50: [For me] it was an opportunity to hang out with some friends for the day and tailgate and, at the same time, help raise funds for a very worthwhile charity.
TL: Describe the experience of helping the wonderful children of the Special Olympics.
DM: The kids and adults of SOMD are great. They start life with more obstacles than most of us could possibly imagine. Thank goodness there are groups like SOMD that can help them achieve greatness. They’re much better athletes than I ever was, and they are wonderful people!
SP: I kind of thought about this the evening after the Plunge. Personally, it makes me feel good about myself knowing that I helped make somebody's life just a little better at some point in time. I know that it also makes my mom proud of me for helping others and that always makes you feel good. It also makes me proud to be a member of Ravens Roost 50 because of their commitment of helping others.
TL: I must admit that I initially regarded the Ravens Roosts & Nests as simply a group of Raven Maniacs convening to celebrate our favorite team. Your philanthropic ways are very touching. Glen what about you?
GN: I personally love working and helping children, so to me this is very rewarding.
TL: Why do you think this event has experienced such phenomenal growth?
GN: The Council of Baltimore Ravens Roost got involved 4 years ago and we have become a legacy sponsor with Special Olympics of Maryland.
DM: [I agree plus] 98Rock and Channel 11 deserve a lot of the credit for the huge spike in participation in this event. No offense to the previous Media Partners, but the simple fact is they have a much larger audience than previous sponsors. I also think that people who are Plunge veterans have done a great job of recruiting more people.
SP: The Polar Bear Plunge has become the Baltimore event of the winter. It also helps you forget that there is no football that weekend.
TL: So it’s the event of the winter. And this year it was quite chilly down there at Sandy Point State Park. Will you do it again next year?
SP: I'll be back again next year.
DM: I will absolutely do the Plunge again! Because of the fact that me and my fellow Ravens fans haven’t had to worry about missing many playoff games the past few years, the Polar Bear Plunge has become another reason to get together and tailgate. My Roost had 51 Plungers and about 30 towel persons, and everyone showed up with their purple on and their coolers full. It was a blast.
GN: I personally have been doing this since 2003 and will continue to do this as long as I have my good health.
TL: Speaking of good health, that plunge has to be a shock to the system. I was once in Myrtle Beach in February on an unseasonably warm day. Our cooler was full too and I decided to take a plunge into the ocean and when I did, it was a shock. Now that’s Myrtle Beach in February on an 80+ degree day. Describe the initial shock of the icy waters of the Chesapeake in January.
GN: Some years are different then others. This year was not that bad. Last year was not that bad. Two years ago we had ice in the Bay to deal with and it was very cold.
SP: To be honest, I was the towel boy this year. . . . you know, the guy who stands there on the beach with everyone's towels and robes and dry shoes and whatever else they brought with them to the beach. By the way, towel boy is not the term we were using that day but a term that meets family standards.
Reflecting back to my first time, it really wasn't as bad as I expected but I was kind of surprised to see scratches all over my legs. It turns out the thin layer of ice was slicing up everyone's legs that day.
TL: Ouch! Can’t blame you on the towel boy gig. Need an assistant?
DM: Unless you’ve been in very cold water, it’s hard to describe that initial shock. As soon as my feet hit the water, I feel like I’m moving in slow motion. Everything seems to slow down, while at the same time I start breathing real fast. It really is breathtaking.
TL: Did you go completely under? How long did you stay in? I mean c’mon if you are going to do it, do it all the way right?
SP: In both of my previous plunges, I went in to about mid-thigh and was only in long enough to walk out that far, turn around and come back. A fan of being cold, I am not.
TL: You know once upon a time I skied naked in Crested Butte, CO and…uh never mind….
DM: I go out to the point where that water is above the knee but below the waist and then dive in. If you can handle wading in to the waist you can handle going all the way under. I’m usually right in and right out, although I sometimes go back in. This year I made three trips into the Bay.
TL: Now that’s what I’m talking about. Glen…
GN: I always tell my Donors that I always go under. If they are going to pledge money to me then I am going to go the full route and stay in for a few seconds then come out and then go back in again. My total time in the water is probably 45 seconds or so.
TL: Which I’m sure feels like an eternity. By the way, I’m thinking of a Seinfeld episode now but let’s not go there…
Is there a chance that any of you might become a Super Plunger?
GN: It is possible, but you must come up with at least $10,000.00 in donations to be eligible.
TL: Well put me down for $50.00. $9,950.00 to go Glen.
SP: Ain't happening!!!!! My hat is off to those that are Super Plungers.
DM: There are things I will do for charity, but being a Super Plunger isn’t on the list. I don’t mind getting in during the afternoon, but you’ll never find me going in at three in the morning in January.
TL: Unless of course they change the venue to Mallory Square in Key West, eh?
SP: I recommend that everyone 'Do the Plunge' at least once. The good feeling you get is well worth any minor inconveniences of that day.
TL: Does the Nestea Plunge in July count. Where do I send my check?
All kidding aside (I think) the three of you and all of the plungers deserve to be recognized for the selfless people that you are. On behalf of the athletes competing in Special Olympics Maryland, let me thank you. I’m sure you’ve helped to put a smile on many faces through your efforts, not to mention the smiles that you walk away with from this feel good event.
Thank you so much!
Note: To find out how you can participate or pledge click on either of the pictures above.
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Posted On: 2/11/07
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