Who is Ready to Freeze for Reason Saturday?

Reston's Mike Collins and sons participate in 6th Annual Virginia Polar Dip at Lake Anne/File photo

People may have been skating over Reston’s frozen lakes the last few days — but now is their chance to jump in one of them.

Crews are hard at work cutting a hole at Lake Anne Plaza big enough for participants in the 7th annual Freezin’ for a Reason Virginia Polar Dip to make a very cold splash this weekend.

Will you be one of them? The good news is Saturday’s forecast is for temperatures close to 50 degrees. Alas, the water will still be freezing.

Virginia Polar Dip events begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Lake Anne Plaza.  Dippers will get started at 2 p.m.. The event benefits Camp Sunshine, a summer camp in Maine for children (and their families) with life-threatening illnesses.

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).

Last year, intrepid Reston-area participants — many of whom are in wacky costumes — raised more than $70,000 to aid the campers. This year, the goal is to raise $100,000, which will help 50 Mid-Atlantic residents to attend Camp Sunshins. Reston Association president Ken Knueven will be among the high-profile residents taking the plunge.

To jump in the lake, participants have to pay a minimum $100 donation. You can also opt for the “chicken dip” and just dangle your toes in the water.

The event is emceed by 97.1 WASH-FM morning show radio personality Chilli Amar.

The event is sponsored by Lake Anne, David Madison Photography, Reston Association, Reston Community Center, Spotted MP Marketing & Public Relations, Jasmine Café, Fairfax Christian School, Tropical Smoothie Café, 97.1 WASH-FM, and Sheraton Reston Hotel.

For more information or to register to participate, visit www.freezinforareason.com.

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