How a polar bear from the frozen north became Alpharetta’s Coolest Fundraiser. . .
Nobody imagined the Alpharetta Polar Bear Plunge would become such a massive event. Then again, nobody expected a six-foot-tall, furry burst of energy to suddenly leap out of the icy waters of Wills Park Pool.
Are you wondering how Splash went from exploring the Arctic Circle to becoming Alpharetta’s coolest fundraiser? Pull up a seat, grab your towel… this story starts with a Splash!
High in the Arctic Circle lived a fun-loving, big-hearted polar bear who adored helping others and creating the biggest splashes anyone ever saw. He spent his days frolicking and lending a helping paw to his neighbors. Until one morning, he spotted a bottle beneath the ice with a note: “Help Wanted in Alpharetta, Georgia. Join us in raising money for the charities that help our community”.
He packed his scarf, waved goodbye to his friends, and headed south.
After journeying far, Splash arrived at the Wills Park Pool . . . in February.
As volunteers were setting up, sorting towels, and trying to stay warm, they heard a massive splash—not the ‘someone slipped on the steps’ kind, but a tidal wave. Did someone just drop a boulder in the pool? kind of Splash.
When the water settled, there he was. With his goofy grin, paws waving, tail wagging. And a heart as big as the pool itself.
Once he shook off, we soon learned of his secret superpower!
Splash wasn’t just playful… he was purposeful.
Splash has a servant’s heart, the kind that lifts people up, brings communities together, and reminds everyone that doing good is fun.
From that day on, Splash became the trusted mascot for the Alpharetta Polar Bear Plunge.
He high-fives kids and hugs nervous first-timers. He helps hang signs and even tried to untangle extension cords… though we eventually made him stop because, as you know, water + electricity don’t mix.
Who is Splash?
He’s the heart of what the Polar Bear Plunge represents:
community, compassion, and courage.
- Kids adore him.
- Volunteers rely on him.
- Fundraisers swear he brings good luck.
No snow. No ice. No problem!
As we chase bigger goals, bigger crowds, and the dream of raising ONE MILLION DOLLARS for charity, Splash is ready to lead the way, one cannonball at a time.