Ten for Ten

For the 10th time, Tom Mortenson will face the icy waters of Minnesota in the Polar Fest Plunge, a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of Detroit Lakes. Mortenson who serves as the Temple Terrace representative on the Hillsborough County Community Action Board. Known for his years of military service and community work, Mortenson was the Community Development Director of Temple Terrace and the Becker County Administrator.

According to Mortenson, “the cold weather we are experiencing in Tampa Bay is considered almost to warm for a polar plunge. Temperatures for previous polar plunges that Mortenson has done range from 28 above to well below zero, including one with a wind chill of -20 below.

Mortenson said he is running a campaign seeking ten-dollar donations from area residents to help the Boys & Girls Club (Founded in 1957) has a long history of providing services to local youth that help them BE GREAT academically, socially, and civically. By Donating you are supporting the mission.

Many participants dress in costumes while others wear only their swimsuits, but either way they dare the elements and meet the challenge of ice-cold water. At the request of Mortenson’s granddaughter, Hailey, this year he will dress as a Girl Scout Cookie – “since it is Girl Scout Cookie time it seems like a good choice” Mortenson added. Last year his granddaughter sold 1035 boxes and is aiming to do more this year. By the way, she was the 4th highest in her troop.

If you are interested in making the plunge you can register at https://www.classy.org/campaign/2022-polar-fest-plunge/c384405, or to make a donation to Tom’s effort at https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/3638726

Mortenson added, “even a dollar will warm the hearts of young people as they watch how each of us believes in them, of course ten dollars would be even warmer.”