Alpha Sigma Alpha’s very own Emily Olsen will be taking the Polar Plunge Feb. 9 in Shoal Creek at Zans Campground south of Joplin.

ASA works all year to help support its national philanthropies. Special Olympics is just one of those.

“We like to raise awareness and funds whenever we can,” Ashley Brunner, a senior psychology major, said.

Elected to be the philanthropy chairman for ASA, Brunner took it upon her self to see what organizations the group could help.

“I contacted Robin Anderson and asked her how we could help with Special Olympics this year and she got super ecstatic because she needed so much help with this plunge,” Brunner said.

Anderson is the area director for the Special Olympics of Missouri.  

The Polar Plunge is hosted by law enforcement, with the money raised being donated to its charity of choice, Special Olympics.

The proceeds will provide year-round sports training as well as athletic competition for both children and adults.

“I am very excited. We [are] sponsoring Olsen to take the plunge and another member decided to take it all on her own,” Brunner said.

All of the money raised by ASA will go to the Special Olympics of Missouri. Registration will begin at noon, with the plunge taking place at 2 p.m. An auction, along with an awards ceremony is scheduled after the event around 4 p.m.

 “I want to raise awareness about [the] Polar Plunge because it is a big deal and it seems like a lot of fun,” Brunner said.

“The theme this year is ‘take a plunge on the wild side’ and everyone makes costumes. I can’t wait to see how ours turns out!”