Over the years, many of us have been tempted to tell someone in our local government to ‘Go jump in the lake!?
Well, Maureen ‘Moe? Helmuth, deputy treasurer and utility clerk for the Village of Oxford, is going to do just that the weekend of the Super Bowl in Detroit.
To raise money for Special Olympics Michigan, Helmuth will dive into the icy waters of Lake Tacoma on Belle Isle as part of the ‘Polar Plunge? on Saturday, February 4 at 11 a.m.
Instead of a bathing suit, Helmuth will make a fashion statement by wearing a her wedding dress from 13 years ago complete with sash, flowers and tiara.
‘What else am I going to do with it?? she said.
When asked why she decided to take the plunge, Helmuth replied, ‘It just came up. It sounded like fun.?
‘I always wanted to do it,? she said drawing her inspiration from Polar Bear Clubs, whose members are famous for swimming in icy waters during the winter months.
Sponsored by Special Olympics Incorporated and coordinated through the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the Polar Plunge is a sanctioned Super Bowl XL event and open to anyone willing to ‘bear? the elements for a good cause.
Mayors, government officials and municipal employees have all been invited to take the Polar Plunge this year.
Helmuth said her concern isn’t the freezing water or turning a lovely shade of blue, it’s ‘how close the first glass of beer is after? and whether her wedding dress still fits.
Since she was married 13 years ago, the dress has been altered and worn twice by Helmuth’s girlfriends.
If it doesn’t fit, Helmuth plans to wear ‘the ugliest prom dress? she can find.
‘You have to have a costume,? she explained.
Whomever has the best costume wins the ‘Golden Plunger Award.?
So far, Helmuth has collected about $300 in pledges.
Muncipalities that generate the most funds will be recognized by Channel 62 (CBS-Detroit) and receive a special plaque for their community.
Those wishing to give Helmuth a pledge should make their checks payable to ‘Special Olympics Michigan.? For more information call the village offices at (248) 628-2543 and ask for either Helmuth or village Clerk Christine Burns.