PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — A team of Northern Maine Community College students and employees are once again turning to the Aroostook County community to help raise funds for a good cause as they prepare to take their annual “polar dip” Feb. 10 off the coast of Maine.
The NMCC group, appropriately named the “Freezin’ Falcons” to honor the school’s mascot, will be led by Dr. William Egeler, dean of students and a veteran of past polar dips. Egeler and his team of students, faculty and staff will consist both of members who will enter the water and others who will serve as “towelers” and watch out for the dippers during and after the swim.
This year’s “Freezin’ Falcons” team will travel to Pleasant Point on the coast of downeast Maine Friday, Feb. 10 to take a “polar dip” into the frigid Atlantic Ocean. This event, featuring around 100 dippers from colleges and universities in both Maine and New Brunswick, supports Maine’s Ronald McDonald House charity.
“Albeit a bit crazy, the entire campus seems to have adopted the event and rallies behind the ‘Freezin’ Falcons’ in their bid to raise as much money as possible,” said Egeler. “I don’t think anyone in Aroostook County doesn’t know someone who has benefited directly from the services provided by the Ronald McDonald House. Students recognize the value of that work and are eager to help in any way possible — even if that means risking frost bite or hypothermia.”
Now in its 12th year, the annual event, sponsored by Washington County Community College Student Senate, has raised more than $130,000 to benefit the Ronald McDonald House since it was first held in 2000. Many members of this year’s “Freezin’ Falcons” have chosen to take the “plunge” again this year.
“Last year when Dean Egeler challenged students to ‘dive in’ to a worthy cause, I didn’t know it would be into the 26 degree Atlantic Ocean. I must say, I had ‘cold feet’ initially, but after I took the plunge, I had no regrets,” said Jonathan Post, NMCC nursing student. “I never thought such a ‘chilling’ experience could be a part of such a ‘warm cause.’ Even though it may sound a bit silly to some, it is truly a good way to raise money for such a worthwhile cause.”
If anyone would like to contribute to the 2012 Freezin’ Falcons’ efforts, please send your check, made payable to the Ronald McDonald House, to Dean of Students at NMCC, 33 Edgemont Drive, Presque Isle, ME 04769.
