Frosty Frolic divers aren’t afraid of a little cold water

By TAYLOR BROWN
Senior Reporter
tbrown@yourmvi.com

Residents of all ages will get a bit chilly this weekend for a good cause at the 11th annual Frosty Frolic.
A major fundraiser for the California Area School District Foundation, the annual event set for 1:30 p.m. Saturday makes winter a bit more fun, without skis, snowboards or sleds as participants jump into the Monongahela River.
Registration will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the Coal Center Wharf, located at 100 Spring St. A costume showcase will be held at 1:10 p.m. before participants jump in.
The Frosty Frolic costs $10 to register with all proceeds benefiting the foundation, which provides enhanced educational opportunities for students in the district through grants and teacher support.
The foundation also provides scholarships for post high school education.
Lisa Buday, president of the board of trustees, said close to 100 people took the plunge in 2023 and she’s hoping to surpass that number.
“We were getting pretty close to 100, so we hope that we finally hit that this year,” she said.
The more people who participate, the more money is raised to directly benefit students.
Since its inception, the Frosty Frolic has raised close to $100,000.
Money has been used for scholarships for graduating seniors, a Chromebook program at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and grants for teachers to use in the classroom.
Teachers apply for the grants for various classroom projects and technology for their students.
This year, grant funding was used to create a Spanish club after school and to purchase a washer and dryer that is used by life skills students to help run the district’s Caring Closet, which provides clothing to students in need.
Student ambassadors Azzy Colditz and Parker Griffin have taken responsibility for getting the word out at school.
“They post fliers, get it on social media, make sure it’s on the announcements and sometimes pass out swag at basketball games,” Buday said. “This is the second year we have had student ambassadors and it was a really big help to us last year.”
In addition to support from participants who aren’t afraid to get a bit chilly, Armstrong Cable has been a supporter of the event each year.
The district, as well as leadership in Coal Center and help from first responders on hand to keep everyone safe, make the event a success, Buday added.
“There will be teachers there talking about their different grants and ideas and our Superintendent Dr. Laura Jacob will be jumping in again this year, too,” Buday said. “It’s been really great to have the administration get in on the fun.”
In addition to registration fees, participants are encouraged to gather pledges for their chilly dip, with most aiming to raise at least $20.
Those who register and raise $20 or more in pledges will receive a free Frosty Frolic 2024 T-shirt.
To register or make a pledge, go to Calsdfoundation.org.
For more information, go to the Frosty Frolic Facebook page.