2015 WCCC’s Annual Polar Dip

Come join the fun at this year’s 15^th annual Washington County Community College Polar Bear Dip.  The theme this year is St. Patrick’s Day.

The event is sponsored by the WCCC Student Senate and the motto is “Luck of the Plunge.”

The Student Senate held a contest and this year’s logo design was created by WCCC student Jessica Wickham. She won a WCCC three-credit course valued at $265.

The dip is at 12-noon, Friday, March 6, at Split Rock on the Pleasant Point Reservation on Route 180.

Like last year the proceeds raised by the event will be divided between Ronald McDonald House in Bangor and Sarah’s House in Brewer.

WCCC Culinary & Baking students will hold their annual Chili Cook-Off contest.

The Maine National Guard will be on hand with snacks and tents where swimmers can change their clothes and get warm once the dip is over.

Looking ahead to the dip, Karen Gookin, Director of Residential Housing and Student Senate advisor, said she hoped for good weather. In the past, temperatures have ranged from a bone-chilling below zero to above 20 degrees.  Once again there will be a huge bonfire to keep everyone warm.

Last year’s dip raised more than $14,000 and over the course of 14 years has raised more than $250,000.

“Of course we are hoping to beat last year’s amount, but if we raise just $1.00 it will be 50 cents more for each beneficiary than they had before “Dip Day,” said, Karen Gookin.

Those who wish to participate in the dip can pick up their sponsor forms at the college or print there from the school’s web site.  Those who turn in pledge sheets with $75 or more will receive a hooded sweatshirt with this year’s Polar Bear Dip design on the back of the sweatshirt.

Washington County Community College in 2014 2013 & 2011 was named top 10% of community colleges in the US by the Aspen Institute and was ranked one of “America’s Top 25 Community Colleges” by Washington Monthly.