Save The Date: Freezin’ For a Reason Feb. 1

Who wants to jump in the lake for a good cause?

The 7th annual Freezin’ for a Reason Virginia Polar Dip returns to Lake Anne on Feb. 1. The event benefits Camp Sunshine, a summer camp for children (and their families) with life-threatening illnesses.

Last year, intrepid Reston-area participants — many of whom are in wacky costumes — raised more than $70,000 to aid the campers.

Here is what you need to know:

• Event start time is 1 p.m. Jumping begins at the dock at 2 p.m. Registered participants can take a full jump  or a “Chicken Dip” (feet only).
• $100 minimum donation to plunge.  Free to spectators.  Rain or Shine (will be rescheduled if major snow storm is forecast).
• The event is emceed by 97.1 WASH-FM morning show radio personality Chilli Amar.

The Virginia Polar Dip was started in 2008 by the Toth family of Oakton, whose daughter, Jennifer, had attended Camp Sunshine after a battle with cancer at age 3 (she is in her 20s now and doing great).

Since 2008, 682 people have participated in the Virginia Polar Dip — one of 11 Polar Dips held around the country — to raise more than $306,000 for the camp.  The camp organizes 11 polar dips on the East Coast each year.

This year’s goal is to raise $100,000, which will allow 50 families from the Mid-Atlantic area to attend Camp Sunshine in Maine.

For more information about the event or to register to participate, visit www.freezinforareason.com or become a Facebook Fan (Virginia Polar Dip) and view pictures from previous dips.