POLAR DIP at Lake Anne!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Take a Plunge or a “Chicken Dip” into Lake Anne to Raise Funds for Camp Sunshine!
Registration & Information: www.freezinforareason.com
For Immediate Release
December 1, 2008
Reston, VA – Lake Anne Village Center will host the 2nd annual Polar Dip in Virginia to benefit Camp Sunshine on Saturday, February 7 at 2:00 PM. Registered participants will take a chilly dip into Lake Anne – a full plunge or a “Chicken Dip” – to raise funds for the charity. Spectators are welcome to come and cheer for the plungers.
Through pledges or self-sponsorship, each participant will pay a minimum of $100 for the opportunity to plunge into the bracing water. Participants will check in, get ready, and warm up afterwards at Body by Geoff Fitness Studio, located just steps from the Polar Dip site at the Lake Anne dock. Lake Anne is located at 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston, VA 20190.
Registration, pledge forms and regulations are available at www.freezinforareason.com. Top fundraisers will receive prizes.
The first Virginia Polar Dip at Lake Anne was held in February 2008 and raised over $7,000 for Camp Sunshine, enabling four families to attend camp. The goal this year is to raise more than $15,000, to send at least 10 families to camp.
Vienna, Virginia resident Gail Toth and her family have been involved with Camp Sunshine for 12 years, since daughter Jennifer, now 15, was diagnosed with Hepatoblastoma, a rare pediatric liver cancer, 13 years ago. “We know the benefits of Camp Sunshine’s programs first-hand,” says Toth. “We are working for a successful Lake Anne event to enable more families to attend Camp Sunshine in years to come.” Jennifer Toth and her friends are devoted Polar Dip-pers.
Toth’s suggestions on ways to get involved:
- Take the plunge into the icy waters of Lake Anne
- Convince a friend or family member to plunge
- Get co-workers to sponsor someone to plunge – maybe even the boss
- Get your child’s school involved – challenge a teacher or principal to take the plunge!
- Take the “Chicken Dip” – you only need to get your feet wet
The 2nd annual Virginia Polar Dip is sponsored by Body by Geoff Fitness Studio, Jasmine Café, Lake Anne Village Center, Myers Public Relations, and hosted by Reston Association and Lake Anne Merchants & Professionals Committee (LARCA). (For sponsor opportunities and information, contact Gail Toth, gatoth@cox.net.)
Camp Sunshine organizes nine Polar Dips every year on the east coast, and raised over $165,000 in 2008. Since 1984 Camp Sunshine has provided a haven for more than 28,000 family members from 47 states and 17 countries with year-round camp programs for children with life-threatening illnesses and their immediate family members. The programs provide respite, support, joy and hope, all free of charge, and include 24-hour onsite medical and psychosocial support. The program continues to be recommended by more than 100 treatment centers across the nation. In the Virginia region those included are University of Virginia’s Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, Medical College of Virginia, Children’s National Medical Center in D.C., Alfred I. Dupont Hospital for Children in Delaware, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Maryland, and University of Maryland Hospital for Children. For more information, visit www.campsunshine.org.
Lake Anne Village Center, 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston, VA 20190
Lake Anne, dedicated in December 1965, is the historic heart and soul of the award-winning, planned community of Reston, Virginia. The internationally recognized plaza is a destination spot for residents and visitors alike, with 24 unique shops, restaurants, services, fitness studio, a museum, seasonal boat rentals, concerts, Saturday markets, and an unparalleled atmosphere. Truly a one-of-a-kind place to Dine, Shop and Play. For more information, visit www.lakeanneplaza.com.
Directions to Lake Anne Village Center: From the Dulles Toll Road, take exit 13, Wiehle Avenue, and drive north to Baron Cameron Ave. Turn left. At the next light, turn left on Village Road. At the stop sign, turn left on North Shore. Make an immediate right into Lake Anne Village Center parking area, then walk toward the lake and plaza.
Editors Note: Photographs from the 2008 Polar Dip at Lake Anne are available for publication. Contact Myers Public Relations, 703-476-9377, or carol@myerspr.com.