Reston, VA Lake Anne Village Center will host the first Polar Plunge in Virginia to benefit Camp Sunshine on Saturday, February 9 from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM. Registered participants will take a chilly dip into Lake Anne -- a full plunge or a "Chicken Dip" -- to raise funds for the charity. Spectators are welcome to come and cheer for the plungers.
At 1:00 PM, all plunge participants will check in and prepare for their dip at the Body by Geoff fitness studio at 1609-B Washington Plaza, located just steps from the Polar Plunge site at the Lake Anne dock. The staff at Body by Geoff is gearing up for the Polar Plunge and looking forward to the fun of the event. "A shock to the body is good for the soul!" says Body by Geoff president, James Smith. Geoff, James, Solomon, Luke and George will plunge and are gathering their pledges to support the charity. James has already acquired over $500 in pledges. For more information, call 703-464-5559.
Through pledges or self-sponsorship, each participant will pay a minimum of $100 for the opportunity to plunge into the bracing water. Registration, pledge forms and regulations are available at Body by Geoff, and at Camp Sunshine's Polar Plunge website, www.freezinforareason.com
Vienna, Virginia resident Gail Toth and her family have been involved with Camp Sunshine for 11 years, since daughter Jennifer, now 14, was diagnosed with Hepatoblastoma, a rare pediatric liver cancer, 12 years ago. "We know the benefits of the camp's programs first-hand," says Toth. "We are working for a successful Lake Anne event to enable more families to attend Camp Sunshine in years to come."
Toth"s suggestions on ways to get involved:
Camp Sunshine hopes to raise in excess of $15,000 at this event, enough to send more than 10 families to camp. Since 1984 Camp Sunshine has provided a haven for more than 24,000 family members from 46 states and 15 countries with year-round camp programs for children with life-threatening illnesses and their immediate family members. The programs provide respite, support, joy and hope, all free of charge, and include 24-hour onsite medical and psychosocial support. The program continues to be recommended by more than 100 treatment centers across the nation. In the Virginia region those included are University of Virginia's Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, Medical College of Virginia, Children's National Medical Center in D.C., Alfred I. Dupont Hospital for Children in Delaware, Johns Hopkins Children's Center in Maryland, and University of Maryland Hospital for Children. For more information, visit www.campsunshine.org .
Lake Anne Village Center, dedicated in December 1965, is the historic heart of the award-winning, planned community of Reston, Virginia. The internationally recognized plaza is a destination spot for residents and visitors alike, with 24 unique shops, restaurants, services, fitness studio, a museum, seasonal boat rentals, concerts, Saturday markets, and an unparalleled atmosphere. Truly a one-of-a-kind place to Dine, Shop and Play. For more information, visit www.lakeanneplaza.com .
Directions to Lake Anne Village Center: From the Dulles Toll Road, take exit 13, Wiehle Avenue, and drive north to Baron Cameron Ave. Turn left. At the next light, turn left on Village Road. At the stop sign, turn left on North Shore. Make an immediate right into Lake Anne Village Center parking area, then walk toward the lake and plaza. Online map location: 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston, VA 20190.
Media Contacts:
For Lake Anne -
Carol Nahorniak
carol@myerspr.com Myers Public Relations
T: 703-476-9377 (703-47MYERS)
F: 703-476-9370
11529 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20191
For Camp Sunshine -
Mike Smith
207-655-3800 mbsmith@campsunshine.org
Casco, Maine