Polar plunge benefits Youth Scholarship Fund

During our recent unusual cold spell, the fourth annual "Polar Bear Plunge" was, unfortunately, already scheduled for Jan. 20 in San Bruno City Park. Several of the nearly 60 brave participants, ages 5 and older, reported that the unheated pool water felt a little warmer than the temperature outside the pool!

The frigid event, presented by the San Bruno Parks and Recreation Services Department and conceived by Recreation Services Supervisor Jennie Tucker, is held to benefit the Youth Scholarship Fund. The fund is designed for youth, ages 17 and under, who are San Bruno residents seeking financial assistance for recreation programs and activities.

Before the Plunge, a costume contest was held and Katriyna Dillard of San Bruno, an eighth-grader at Parkside Intermediate School who was dressed as "Tigger," won first place. She received a gift basket donated by the San Bruno Chamber of Commerce.

"This was my third time to participate in the Polar Bear Plunge, but my first time in costume," said Katriyna. "It kept me warm before going in the pool."

To take part in the Plunge, participants all jump in at the same time, grab a little rubber duck and "quickly" bring it out to win a prize. The first two years, they were not allowed to jump into the deep end, but now they can because extra lifeguards are on duty. Representatives from the San Bruno Fire Department also were on hand.

Frank Ingersoll, a San Bruno resident and an employee of the San Bruno Water Department, said it was the fourth year he has participated.

"It was also my longest time in the pool (he was the last person out). I didn't stay in longer because I didn't want to keep the lifeguards busy."

Each entrant received a long-sleeve T-shirt, doughnuts, hot chocolate and a prize donated by local merchants. The donors were: Artichoke Joe's; Audrey Carneiro, Avon sales representative; Benson Wong, D.D.S.; Focus Day Program, Melody Toyota; John's Bayhill Cafe & Catering Service; Invitation Day Spa; Kuya's Asian Cuisine, Inc.; Mexicana Produce Market; Mills Park Cleaners; O'Dowd Estates; Rolling Pin Donuts; Salon 725; San Bruno Auto Center; San Bruno Skilled Nursing Hospital; San Bruno Flower Fashions; and Tony's Auto Repair.