VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — We're less than a month away from that mad dash at the oceanfront into the frigid Atlantic—the Polar Plunge.
The family-run Care-A-Lot Pet Supply stores have a team that's been plunging since 2016.
Over the years they've raised $90,000 and worn various pet-themed costumes.
This year, it's Saint Bernards, which Melanie Hopka, the assistant manager at their Indian River store, points out, "They're the international rescue dog and they're actually bred to do rescues in the cold water and cold regions."
I asked her will that help their team this year going into the frigid oceanfront waters?
Melanie responded with a laugh, "I hope so."
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For what their team has been doing the past few years, we presented them with a News 3 Everyday Hero award, along with a $300 Visa gift card from our community partner Southern Bank.
"Wow!" Melanie was very appreciative and even got a little emotional wiping back a tear. "Thank you so much! We're a tight-knit company and this means a lot to us."
Their efforts— supporting the Polar Plunge and raising $90,000— benefit the Special Olympics largest fundraiser, and that money goes toward helping pay for various competitive events for special needs athletes throughout the year.
That means a lot to Melanie's daughter and fellow plunger, Elizabeth Hopka, who has seen the joy of the Special Olympians in action,
"When you see the look on their faces while they're enjoying the sports they love, it makes it all worth it," said Elizabeth Hopka.
This year will be different though for the plungers according to Care-A-Lot Events Coordinator Team Captain Stephanie Silva.
Their team will be missing one dedicated member: Annette Campbell.
"She touched everyone's life that she met so we're going to go in as a celebration of her life," Stephanie said.
Recently, Miss Annette, as she was called, lost her battle with cancer, not before leaving a deep impression on those who knew her, like Stephanie.
"The energy was just different, brightened every person she met," Stephanie said. "She was just an awesome person, she was just...I get caught, I get choked up thinking about it. Annette was everyone's biggest cheerleader, and I know when I walk in there, into the water she is going to be cheering me on from heaven where she is."
And if you want to support this great cause, the Special Olympics, you can do so the next time you head into any of the four stores in our area. They are accepting donations in their stores.
For more information on how you can support the Polar Plunge and Special Olympics, click here
