Polar Plunging

Last year, Allen and Nora were the sole in-person representatives of the "Quaking Quakers" team for the Chesapeake Climate Action Network's annual Polar Bear Plunge, owing to Covid and other complications. This year, however, more than a dozen other Quakers joined them, including Owen, on Saturday morning at the National Harbor and jumped into a very frigid Potomac to raise over $20,000 (with Team Fawcett contributing more than $1,500) to support environmental initiatives and #KeepWinterCold. 

Apparently last year's efforts were already having an impact, for while the 2022 plunge was a balmy 60 degrees, 2023's event was in the low 40s with a breeze. Despite the chill, our brave plungers, sporting just water shoes and swimsuits (though with hats, towels and parkas at the ready), braved the elements and led the Quakers through their watery trial while still managing to make it home in time for Owen's climbing class (while Allen and Nora sought nourishment at Union Market).

And while this year's plunge has ended, you're still welcome to support Team Fawcett's efforts here.

(To see all of our Plunge pictures, click here.)