Alfond center plans Polar Plunge in Oakland on March 16

Riesling Goodheart, 10, leaps into Messalonskee Lake during the Alfond Youth and Community Center’s 30th annual Polar Plunge last year at the Pressey House in Oakland. Morning Sentinel file photo

The Alfond Youth & Community Center, serving the Boys & Girls Club and YMCA of Greater Waterville, is set to host its 31st Annual Polar Plunge on March 16.

A Polar Plunge participant dressed as Luigi from Super Mario Brothers, leaps into Messalonskee Lake during the Alfond Youth and Community Center’s 30th annual Polar Plunge last year at the Pressey House in Oakland. Morning Sentinel file photo

The event takes place at 11 a.m. at the Oakland Boat Launch, 22 Old Belgrade Ave.

The center hopes to have 100 participants to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the Boys & Girls Club. So far, there are eight teams ready to jump into the frozen Messalonskee Lake, including teams from Allen Insurance & Financial and the veteran jumpers from Silver Street Tavern, according to a news release from the center.

Ron Goodheart leaps into Messalonskee Lake during the Alfond Youth and Community Center’s 30th annual Polar Plunge last year at the Pressey House in Oakland. Morning Sentinel file photo

Those walking the plank solo this year include Ken Walsh, CEO of the AYCC; Chief Bill Bonney of the Waterville Police Department; Chief Rick Stubbert of the Oakland Police Department; Chris Perry, plant manager of Huhtamaki; Mayor Mike Morris of Waterville; Matthew Boulerice, principal owner of Boulerice Management; Erik Nadeau, partner at Nicholson, Michaud and Nadeau; and Mike Wisecup, vice president and Harold Alfond Director of Athletics.

Funds are raised by each jumper and team, all contributing to the AYCC Kids Kitchen program. Through Kids Kitchen, every child in the center’s Afterschool Program, both in Waterville and at its off sites, receives a warm meal and snack every day. In addition to its Afterschool Program, the center’s Greenhouse to Your House weekend meal kits are funded through Kids Kitchen. By giving to a favorite jumper, one is making a difference in the lives of children in the community.

Jumpers with the most money raised will receive the grand prize of a week’s stay at the West Wind II resort in the Bahamas. Prizes will also be awarded for the best costume, best jump, and to the oldest and youngest jumper.

To register and donate, visit secure.frontstream.com.

For more information, email Maddie Rock at mrock@clubaycc.org.