OUR STORY, THE BEGINNING
Scott Dittrich, a Norfolk Lion for more than 31 years, was interested in starting a new and fun fundraiser that was going to be a big hit. He wanted the event to be exciting and for many people to be involved. Scott had started three other events with the Norfolk Lions Club: Community Day, Haunted Train Ride, and the Talent Show.
In 2016, he approached the Wrentham Lions Club to join in a two-club effort to start a new event. On a cold, snowy day (April 1, 2017) 49 brave soles entered the waters of Sweatt Beach in Wrentham and raised $20,605.
In 2018, the group partnered with the Plainville Lions and together they organized the second Polar Plunge at a larger beach at Lake Pearl, Wrentham. 56 brave hearts jumped and dove into the 39-degree lake raising $26,474.
The three clubs have now formed the Lions Polar Plunge and have opened the plunge to all Lions and friends across the state, but especially District 33.
Helping researchers transform
today’s ideas into tomorrow’s cures.
Mass Lions Eye Research
Lions International Mission
To empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions Clubs.
The Plunge Vision
Raise over $50,000 for MLERF!
We challenge you to help us reach this goal!
MLERF's STORY
In 1951, the LIONS of Massachusetts became aware that each year, 2,500 premature babies were losing their sight at birth from so-called ‘baby blindness’.
As a result, the Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund was formed in October 1951, dedicating itself to funding research.
Their first grant of $5,000 was given to Dr. Ingalls of Harvard Medical School who was instrumental in discovering the cause of baby blindness: too much oxygen being used in the incubators of premature babies. Today, over 125,000 adults can see because of the foresight and concern of these Lions.
LIONS POLAR PLUNGE SPONSORING CLUBS
The Wrentham Lions Club was established in 1941. Wrentham sponsored the Plainville Lions Club in 1946 and Norfolk Lions Club in 1958. All three clubs are 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.
All Donations received are to benefit MLERF. The Norfolk Lions will receive online donations on behalf of the sponsoring Lions Club and Plunger.
