No matter the weather on Feb. 28, everyone participating in this year’s Polar Plunge at Metro’s Broughton Beach will be feeling the 40-degree waters of the Columbia River.
Plungers will gather from local schools, businesses and community groups, to raise money for Special Olympics Oregon. Joining them will be an enthusiastic group of “Commodores” from Metro’s Parks and Environmental Services department.
The Commodores are a group of department employees recognized by their colleagues for their outstanding service. Participating in this year’s Polar Plunge as part of the Commodore Team is Chelsea Althauser, Courteland Benson, Thomas Thornton, Donovan Boell, Jim Caudell, Katie Reeves and Ron Hall.
Groups often dress in outlandish costumes to raise awareness and to get into the fearless spirit of the day.
“I’m trying to find the most obnoxious outfit possible,” says Althauser, who will be taking her first plunge as the newest Commodore. “I’m thinking a colorful tutu with water wings.”
She’s also bringing her mom along so she can “meet me with a blanket and hot chocolate” when she comes out of the water.
Jim Caudell, a park ranger at Broughton Beach, plans to revive his award-winning onesie from the Jingle Bell Run. Other teammates plan to don biking costumes and other regalia.
Caudell recalls Metro’s history of participation, including the years that a group of rangers plunged, and one year when they were joined by then-Councilor Rex Burkholder.
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol Unit is based at Broughton Beach and helps with the event. The patrol’s divers will be in the water during the plunge to keep everyone safe.
Both Caudell and Althauser cite the flexibility of working at Metro as part of their incentive for participating. Althauser says she “wanted to show people you can work hard, enjoy yourself and give back.”
Caudell, a 23-year Metro employee, says he never had vacation time or time on his own in his previous work. So when he arrived at Metro, he started using his vacations and holidays to give back: first by traveling to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, then to Cambodia with Habitat for Humanity.
“I like the idea of doing something no one else wants to do,” Caudell says. “Working on vacation makes you feel good.”
A plunge in the 40-degree water of the Columbia on Feb. 28 sounds like a perfect fit.
Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Oregon
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