Passion for the plunge: 7th Annual Plunging for Pink takes cancer fundraiser to new heights
Published 5:44 pm Monday, January 28, 2019
- Randy Rauen hugs his daughter Kaydence after his jump at Plunging for Pink Saturday at East Side Lake. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Blistering cold and snow didn’t deter jumpers from taking the plunge in the name of cancer research over the weekend.
Saturday marked the seventh annual Plunging for Pink event, which brought teams from all over the area to take a dive into icy waters. Over the last six years, the event has raised more than $312,000 for cancer research.
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Jumpers from the Dutchtown Jumpers take flight during Plunging for Pink Saturday at East Side Lake. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Cody Anderson, emcee for Plunging for Pink, said overall the event proceeded as planned despite the frigid cold temperatures and snow. With different groups such as AJ Lysne and Kestner Electric providing warm places for teams to change and to get comfortable, the plunge was still happening whether inclement weather was present or not.
“We did have just a few teams that didn’t make it to the plunge, but they were the exception and not the rule,” Anderson said. “Almost everyone scheduled to be there was there, despite the conditions, and I think that says a lot about the kind of people who participate in this event.
“Cancer doesn’t take a day off, so neither can we.”
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Ava Sorenson, 5, dips her pinky into East Side Lake during Plunging for Pink Saturday at East Side Lake. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
As the years go on, Anderson believes Plunging for Pink has become an integral part of the Austin community’s efforts to fight against cancer as well as the overall campaign of Paint the Town Pink.
“We all know that right around the last week of January, our event, the Paint the Rink Pink, and Smashing Cancer will be here and it’s the time to get out, get involved and donate to a great cause, all while having a blast and making the world a better place,” he said. “These aren’t events that people go to once and decide never to do again. The people enjoy themselves and look forward to repeating the experience the next year.
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Jumpers from the group Cold for Carlos hit the water of East Side Lake as others wait for their turn during Plunging for Pink Saturday at East Side Lake. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
“We have some great people in this community who truly care about cancer research and treatment. I would bet on them pushing to make the week better and better every year.”
The final numbers for how much this year’s Plunging for Pink event raised was not available by press time.
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A pair of jumpers from team Angry Hog re-emerge after their jump into East Side Lake Saturday for Plunging for Pink. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com