When plungers take to the ice on Sloper Pond for the 6^th Annual Polar Plunge the first team to jump will be 2011 Feature Team: Team Calvanese Foundation The plungewill be held at YMCA Camp Sloper in Southington on Saturday, Jan. 22, beginning at 1 p.m. 

All proceeds will go toward the YMCA Annual Strong Kids Campaign which provides camp scholarships for children in Southington to attend YMCA Camp Sloper over the summer.     Each year new teams are invited to join groups that have jumped in the past. Five teams from the 2010 plunge will return this year to continue their tradition in this worthwhile event. The year 2006 featured the first Plunge and had only a YMCA team of 20 people; 2007 the Police Department joined in full force; 2008 the Fire Department was featured and first to jump; 2009 the Board of Education was the featured team; 2010 the Southington Politicians and in 2011 if will be the Calvanese Foundation.

“One of the fun parts of this event is seeing the first-timers hit the water. Each year we recruit a new team and the look on their faces just before the jump is priceless,” commented Mark Pooler, Outdoor Center Director at YMCA Camp Sloper who is jumping in for his 6^th year. “The event has grown from just a few brave souls to a real community event with close to 200 plungers and even more spectators” says Pooler.

Team Calvanese Foundation will be led by team captains Lauren Forgione, foundation Board Member, and Don Jenkins, a staff member at the Aqua Turf. “When you think about organizations that help the Southington community, the Calvanese Foundation certainly comes to mind. They are extremely generous and always willing to lend a hand. On this request however, Kathy Reinhard was happy to turn the reins over to her niece Lauren Forgione and have her lead the charge,” Pooler said. The Calvanese Foundation hopes to get 30-40 plungers to assist the YMCA in their efforts. Family, friends, staff at the Aqua Turf, The New Mill, Farmington Club or anyone really willing to jump are welcome.

In addition, Modern Formals of Southington will gather a small team to support the YMCA and the Calvanese Foundation under the leadership of John Dominello. I saw John at an Aqua Turf event last year and he said he would be happy to jump into the pond in a full tuxedo,” said Pooler. “The Calvanese Foundation is connected to the Aqua Turf and Farmington Club, a place where many people dress in tuxedos, so this was a natural fit for 2011,” Pooler said. “I am looking forward to seeing what John Dominello will be wearing when he jumps in.”

All participants will be required to pre-register with one of the team captains. Each team will have about 30 to 40 plungers. Anyone who will be plunging must be 18 years of age or older, have collected a minimum of $100 in pledges, and have signed a waiver form prior to plunging. All pledges must be collected and presented the day of the event on Jan. 22. “Any newcomers looking to take the plunge can contact one of the team captains or join the YMCA team as we are open to any brave soul over the age of 18,” Pooler said. 

The public is welcome to come and cheer on their favorite team.  Donations will also be accepted the day of the event for those who do not have the opportunity to make a pledge beforehand.For additional information, contact Mark Pooler, Outdoor center director of YMCA Camp Sloper at 860-621-8194, ext. 304 or mpooler@southington-cheshireymca.org .