Polar bear on the loose for the Polar Plunge

NOTICE: Due to social distancing at Sanford Lab, our fundraiser for the South Dakota Special Olympics Polar Plunge is currently on hold. We look forward to rebooting this fundraiser in the future. 

A polar bear is on the loose at Sanford Underground Research Facility (Sanford Lab). A four-foot-tall, sleepy-eyed stuffed polar bear was first spotted heading toward the office of executive director Mike Headley. Varied reports have circulated, saying the bear is sporting safety workwear and a nametag that reads “Percy.”

An investigation revealed that the polar bear was set loose on the facility by members of the Working Wellness Group (WWG) in an effort to raise money for the Special Olympics South Dakota (SOSD) during the Northern Hills Polar Plunge.

Members of the WWG describe Percy as “a gentle bear looking for a quiet place to hibernate.”

“Employees have pointed out that, although the groggy polar bear is harmless, they wouldn’t get much work done with an oversized stuffed animal on their desk,” said Michelle Andresen, WWG member. She said that was the WWG’s plan all along. “A few have already walked into their offices to find Percy sprawled across their keyboards or snoring loudly in their swivel chairs.”

The WWG has agreed to expertly remove Percy from an employee’s office once the employee makes a donation, large or small, to the Northern Hills Polar Plunge. That employee can then decide who will host snoring omnivore next.

Employees can also purchase insurance to prevent Percy from waddling into their office. Or they can pay to “Bear a Buddy” and have Percy take a nap in any office of their choosing.

“We are excited to see how far Percy travels,” said Erin Broberg, WWG member. “He may even end up underground!”

Proceeds from the fundraising campaign will support the Northern Hills Polar Plunge, an annual event that dares participants to jump into a pool of ice-cold water mid-winter—all in an effort to raise money for Special Olympics South Dakota, the Northern Hills Training Center, Belle Fourche Schools, and the Spearfish Schools local programs.

The WWG first learned about the Polar Plunge from David Leatherman. A member of Sanford Lab’s emergency response team, Leatherman has been participating in the Polar Plunge for 11 years.

Leatherman’s passion for the special Olympics began when he met his wife’s daughter, Shana, 22 years ago. Shana, who has Downs Syndrome, has participated in the games for years, playing basketball, softball and bowling and competing in track and field and swimming during the summer games.

“Swimming is her favorite,” Leatherman said. “I don't really get too competitive anymore unless it’s a Bronco game or Shana is in the swimming pool—then I get really competitive.”

SOSD provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The organization believes that through sports training and competition, people with intellectual disabilities benefit physically, mentally, socially and spiritually.

Leatherman agrees. “Her world has been expanded. When we go to a state meet, a ton of people will walk up to her and yell ‘Shana!’ She has made a lot of friends,” Leatherman said.

To help support the local and state programs, Percy the Polar Bear will travel the halls and drifts of Sanford Lab until March 20. Proceeds from the fundraising campaign will support Leatherman and any other Sanford Lab employees willing to take the plunge at the Northern Hills Polar Plunge on Saturday, March 28 in Deadwood, SD.

The Environmental, Safety and Health, and Quality Assurance Department at Sanford Underground Research Facility promotes health and safety in the workplace, as well as healthy living and wellness for all employees. If you have questions about health and wellness, please contact our occupational health nurse, Laura Baatz, who is onsite daily at lbaatz@sanfordlab.org.