It has been a mild winter, all things considered. But as temperatures barely topped freezing on the morning of Saturday, Feb. 11, that idea was cold comfort – literally – for Tipmont journeyman lineman Garret Foutch.
That morning, Garret made his debut in the Polar Plunge fundraiser, from which proceeds benefit programs for athletes in Special Olympics Indiana. Supporting a great cause is maybe the only reason to purposefully plummet into freezing water during February in Indiana. Thankfully, Garret’s charitable efforts got a warm response from Tipmont colleagues – who pledged over $600 to his campaign in just about a week.
“I’m super-appreciative of everyone who donated and for Tipmont backing me on such short notice,” Garret says.
After hearing a radio advertisement, Garret decided to sign up for the event, which took place at Purdue University’s Lambert Fieldhouse. Marketing director Stacey Holton created a branded skullcap and a shirt that read “This Plunge is Powered by Tipmont Wintek” while external affairs director Jody Hamilton and program & event coordinator Felicia Dale coordinated company-wide donations.
“It was great to see how fast everyone came into action,” Garret says.
Garret only had to wait outside about 10 minutes prior to his jump, but he calls it a long 10 minutes.
“All of the plungers had to walk under a rain-shower thing in a tent as preparation, and that was freezing,” Garret says. “And the pool did not feel any warmer after that. I had a hard time climbing the stairs to get out, it was so cold.”
It’s a good thing Garret’s wife and daughters were there to greet him with a backpack full of towels.
“The girls laughed at me and got a kick out of it,” Garret says. “It was a fun experience.”
So is Garret already preparing for another Polar Plunge in 2024?
“If Tipmont supported me again, I would definitely do it again next year,” Garret says. “I look forward to providing more advance notice next time so we can raise even more money … and to get another couple of guys from here to join me.”
