In just one week, the Virginia Beach Oceanfront will be packed with people ready to jump into the 30-something degree water, all for a good cause. The annual
Blaine Stewart (in the shark costume) and FM 99 morning host Rick Rumble at the 2015 Polar Plunge in Virginia Beach.
Polar Plunge benefits Special Olympics Virginia, raising, on average, more than a million dollars each year for the charity. You can read more about the plunge itself and how to sign up on the official plunge website.
This morning, a small group of brave souls, led by NewsChannel 3 morning anchor Blaine Stewart, tested the waters in an attempt to drum up more support for the big plunge weekend. Volunteers from the Chesapeake Sheriff's Office, including Deputy Jeremiah Harrell, were there to support their friend, Special Olympics athlete Chad Allen.
The event centers around the actual dip into the water. But, there are also races and other events. Many people who are there choose to dress in creative costumes.
Last year, Blaine dressed as the "Left Shark" from the Katy Perry Super Bowl halftime performance. Fun fact: morning meteorologist Myles Henderson made that costume for him.
