On Saturday, January 31, I didn’t just talk about the Polar Plunge.
I hosted it.
And then, at the very end, I jumped in.

What started as me serving as host for the Special Olympics Texas – El Paso Polar Plunge quickly turned into one of the most exhilarating, uncomfortable, and meaningful moments I’ve had in a long time. Thanks to this community, we raised $4,500 for Special Olympics Texas – El Paso, and I got to be part of something far bigger than myself.

And yes, I surprised the crowd by diving straight into that icy water.

Fully clothed.

Courtesy of Special Olympics El Paso

Courtesy of Special Olympics El Paso

Which, in hindsight, was absolutely a bad move.

The water was freezing, but the real challenge came after. My clothes soaked up every ounce of water possible, turning the swim back to the edge of the pool into a full-body fight. Cold water is one thing. Cold water plus waterlogged clothes is another level entirely. Still, the rush was unreal, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Because this was never just about the plunge.

Why This Meant So Much

Courtesy of Special Olympics El Paso

Courtesy of Special Olympics El Paso

I have supported this community my entire adult life, dating back to right after high school. I’ve worked alongside kids and adults with different kinds of disabilities, and those experiences shaped who I am. Being part of an event that uplifts, celebrates, and invests in athletes with intellectual disabilities is deeply personal for me.

Special Olympics doesn’t just offer sports. It offers belonging, confidence, and joy. It proves, again and again, that every athlete deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated for exactly who they are.

That energy was everywhere at Camp Cohen Water Park.

The crowd, the plungers, the volunteers, the athletes, and the families all came together for something that felt electric and deeply human. World Champion El Paso boxer Stephanie Hahn, who is also an EPPD officer and a special needs mom, was there to witness the entire moment, which made it even more powerful. Having community leaders show up and stand alongside Special Olympics athletes matters.

Courtesy of Special Olympics El Paso

Courtesy of Special Olympics El PasoWhat the Polar Plunge Supports

Courtesy of Special Olympics El Paso

Courtesy of Special Olympics El Paso

The Polar Plunge is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for Special Olympics Texas – El Paso. Every dollar raised goes directly toward year-round training, competitions, and programs that support thousands of athletes right here in our region.

Because of this community, that impact just got a whole lot bigger.

You Can Still Help
Even though the plunge has already happened, my donation page remains open through the end of February. If you still want to contribute, every single dollar helps strengthen programs that change lives.

You can donate directly here through the Grizz page:
https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/6868773

You can also learn more about the Polar Plunge and Special Olympics Texas – El Paso at: https://www.classy.org/event/2026-el-paso-polar-plunge/e667774

This plunge was cold, chaotic, and unforgettable. But more than anything, it was meaningful. Thank you to everyone who donated, cheered, showed up, and continues to support El Paso’s Special Olympians.

We did something good.
And we had a lot of fun doing it. Check out more photos of The Polar Plunge 2026 below!

Grizz Takes The Polar Plunge 2026

The Polar Plunge is a yearly event that happens to raise money for The Special Olympics El Paso athletes! This year, 2026, Grizz from KISS FM decided to take the dive to support Special Olympics Athletes!

Gallery Credit: Grizz

From El Paso to Hollywood: Julian Kalel’s American Idol Journey

Julian Kalel secures a golden ticket on American Idol and delivers a message bigger than music.

Gallery Credit: Courtesy: American Idol

Krystall Poppin For A Purpose Fest 2026

Krystall Poppin for a Purpose Fest invites El Paso locals to a parade, bazaar, car show, and abuelita contest benefiting Our Lady of Assumption Church.

Gallery Credit: Courtesy: Krystall Poppin