Take the dive and support breast cancer research at the seventh annual Plunging for Pink on Jan. 26.

Plunging for Pink has become a staple in the Paint the Town Pink’s fundraiser for breast cancer research. Around 200 to 225 jumpers, and many more who come to watch the spectacle, cheer on family and  friends as they take a plunge in East Side Lake’s frigid waters.

Cody Anderson, emcee for Plunging for Pink, has participated every single year and embraced Plunging for Pink as a way to support breast cancer research and all the efforts being made with The Hormel Institute to find a cure someday.

Anderson had one special memory from all the years he worked as the emcee for Plunging for Pink.

“My favorite memory is when I proposed to my now wife at the event in front of the crowd,” he said. “I am the emcee every year, and it was really a blast to share the experience with so many people. We met because of this event, and it only seemed right on that icy lake in front of all those people dressed up in pink costumes, to ask her to be my wife.”

Every year, the goal for PTTP is to get more people involved and to raise more money than the previous year. Plunging for Pink raised more than $58,000 last year and has raised more than $313,000 over the past six years for breast cancer research.

There will also be a post-plunge party at the Eagles at 3:30 p.m. There, prizes will be distributed, and there will be music, food and refreshments with all funds going to the Hormel Institute.

“The event is always a ton of fun,” Anderson said. “There are some really great costumes that always draw some laughs. Seeing the reaction on people’s faces when they hit the water is absolutely priceless too. Even though I have been doing this for years now, it never gets old.”

What to do

Registration opens at 11:30 a.m. and jumpers and teams are encouraged to arrive early. When registering onsite, a waiver must be signed, and you can receive a Plunging for Pink t-shirt and turn in any donations that were raised toward the jump.

Be sure to give yourself plenty of time in advance for your scheduled plunge time that was emailed to teams a week in advance of Plunge day, and plan accordingly for weather conditions. There will be heated trailers, a heated warming tent, but those will be reserved for plungers during their jump.

All jumpers must wear shoes and be in proper condition to jump, and safety is the highest priority.

Participants are asked to raise a minimum of $50 toward breast cancer research in order to jump and are encourage to raise as much as possible beyond that point. Hy-Vee will be serving alcohol and other beverages at the plunge again this year.

A new jump

Anyone interested in jumping for breast cancer research should visit plungingforpink.com to get themselves and their teams registered. Registration can be done on the same day, but it’d be smoother if jumpers sign up ahead of time, according to Anderson.

Pinky Plunge

This is for those who want to participate, but don’t want to jump all the way into East Side Lake. This newer jump allows children and adults of all ages and abilities to participate. You can step in as far as you are comfortable with. All pinky plungers go at the same time. When registering, choose “Join Existing Team” and select “Pinky Plunge” on the website. They are asked to raise a minimum donation of $30.  They can still get a t-shirt and after party meal with the other jumpers.