ALTOONA – With a quick jump in the chilly waters of Canoe Creek State Park, Penn State Altoona students, alumni and friends throughout the community will raise funds for two causes.
On Sunday, Jan. 27, participants in the Penn State Altoona Alumni Society’s inaugural Winter Plunge will test their mettle in a special fundraiser for the society’s scholarship program and Penn State Altoona Benefitting THON. Sheetz Inc. is the title sponsor of the Winter Plunge, scheduled for 1 p.m. at Canoe Creek.
“The Penn State Altoona Alumni Society is dedicated to the students of Penn State Altoona and the interests they have,” said Thomas J. Koehle, president of the society. “The Winter Plunge is a fantastic way to support students through scholarships and to assist our students in support of THON. We look forward to students, alumni, friends and family of Penn State Altoona plunging into Canoe Creek to benefit student scholarships and THON. The Penn State Altoona Alumni Society is always looking for new and creative ways to give back and involve students, and I couldn’t think of a more exciting and invigorating way to do so.”
The student-led Penn State Altoona Benefitting THON annually ranks as a leader among the Penn State commonwealth campuses in the fundraising competition. Last year, the organization raised nearly $83,000. A record $10.6 million was raised by Penn State students in support of Thon 2012.
Since the 1999-2000 academic year, approximately $19,443 in financial aid has been awarded to 28 students through the scholarship endowed by the Penn State Altoona Alumni Society.
A minimum contribution of $50 is required of those who choose to plunge. All registered participants will receive an official Winter Plunge sweatshirt and invitations to Plunge special events, including The Plunge Party on Saturday, Jan. 26 and the post-event celebration.
Those who would like to support the Winter Plunge without entering the water will receive a “Too Chicken to Plunge” T-shirt and invitation to The Plunge Party for their minimum $50 contribution. All supporters may invite personal sponsors to contribute to their pledge total.
Prizes will be awarded to the two individuals who raise the largest amount of money.
“By plunging into Winter Plunge, we are excited about the synergies created by the students, alumni and the community as a whole in developing relationships to benefit two great causes, THON and much-needed scholarship funding to help Penn State Altoona students,” said Carolyn Donaldson, chairperson of the event.
Registration forms for the Winter Plunge are available at the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, Kazmaier Building, 1419 12th Ave. in Altoona and online at altoona.psu.edu/winterplunge.
Questions may be directed to C. David Kimmel, associate director of Alumni Relations and Stewardship, at 814-949-5498.