RADFORD -- On Feb. 21, 2009, RU graduate Andrew Madey hopes to see several hundred people jump into the icy Atlantic Ocean for the First Annual North Carolina “State-Wide” Polar Plunge in Nags Head, N.C. His hard work will benefit a good cause as all proceeds from the frigid event will go toward the Special Olympics of North Carolina.

Madey, who serves as the Polar Plunge event founder, is focusing on participation from universities, social networking groups and Greek Life and wants to “provide some extra incentives besides the feel-good emotions one receives from participation.” One tentative incentive includes a week or weekend in an Outer Banks ocean-front mansion. The winners of this prize will be any university group who raises the most money, as well as the group who has the most participants. Multiple incentive plans are in the works, but all participants will receive t-shirts and towels.

Any person or group who wishes to plunge is welcome to attend. Pre-registration via the North Carolina Polar Plunge website is requested, but not required. Individuals must donate a minimum of $50 to participate, and teams must donate a minimum of $50 per team member. A beach party will precede the plunge with catering, refreshments, costume prizes and entertainment.