Polar plunge to benefit Meals on Wheels

Release from Meals on Wheels

The Asheville Racquet Club will hold the 3rd Annual Polar Bear Plunge to benefit Meals On Wheels of Asheville-Buncombe County on Saturday, January 22, 2011 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 PM. Despite an already harsh winter and forecasted temperatures in the mid-thirties on Saturday, more than 20 individuals will brave the icy waters to help raise money to feed Buncombe County’s homebound seniors.

This year’s list of local celebrities for the Polar Bear Plunge includes Buncombe County Commissioner, David Gantt; Buncombe County Sheriff, Van Duncan; Meals On Wheels Board Chair, Brock Himan and Executive Director, Dianne Trammel; a team of radio personalities from Clear Channel Radio and Dennis Hulsing, owner of the Asheville Racquet Club. Hulsing has graciously donated the use of the Asheville Racquet Club’s swimming pool and club house facilities for the event and is currently the top fundraiser.

This is the 3rd year for the annual fundraiser to benefit Meals On Wheels of Asheville and Buncombe County. Each polar bear raises money by collecting sponsorships contributed by friends, family and coworkers as they vie for the title of “Top Polar Bear”. Donations are taken online at: http://www.firstgiving.com/MOWABC/Event/2011PolarBearPlunge. A hot chili lunch will be served in the ARC clubhouse afterwards at a cost of $7 per person. The public is invited to attend and cheer on their favorite jumper. This year’s Polar Bear Plunge is sponsored by Ocean’s Flavor Foods and The Green Sage Cafe. The goal is $20,000 with 100 percent of proceeds going to help Meals On Wheels of Asheville and Buncombe County.

For more information, please contact the Asheville Racquet & Fitness Club at (828) 274-3361 or Meals On Wheels of Asheville and Buncombe County at 253-5286. Sponsorship information for individual jumpers is also available at www.mowabc.org.

Meals On Wheels of Asheville-Buncombe County currently serves nearly 500 homebound seniors a hot nutritious lunch 5 days a week. In addition to weekday meal delivery, Meals On Wheels offers a Pet Food Program, Ensure Program, Volunteer Connections and several other vital services designed to allow seniors to remain in their own homes, among familiar surroundings and age with dignity. For more information, please contact Terri Bowman, development director, at 253-5286.