Not That Freezing for Freezin’ for a Reason

For eight years, Restonians have jumped into Lake Anne in early February for a good cause.

The annual Virginia Polar Dip  — where participants pledge a minimum of $100 to jump — raises money for Camp Sunshine, a Maine summer overnight experience for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

Some years, it is a balmy 40-50 degrees. Other years, organizers have had to chain saw through the ice to get to the water.

This year, it looks like it will be the former. The forecast calls for partly cloudy a high of 50 degrees. The water, however, will be around freezing.

The festivities on Lake Anne Plaza begin at noon, with the jumps beginning at 2 p.m.

Last year’s Virginia Polar Dip raised more than $85,000. This year’s goal is to top $100,000, which will allow 50 families from the Mid-Atlantic area to attend Camp Sunshine. As of Thursday, there was nearly $70,000 in pledges.

For more information about the event or to register to participate, visit the event’s home page. Spectators are welcome free of charge.

Photo: Jumpers at an icy Lake Anne at the 2012 Virginia Polar Dip/file photo