Members of Delta Sigma Theta Take the Plunge IN DETROIT for Special Olympics Michigan

By Thomas Tibai

A fifth time Polar Plunger, Theresa Williams said, “I am not nervous, I am just cold.”

A supporter and firm believer in Special Olympics Michigan, Theresa is dedicated to raising money for athletes with intellectual disabilities and has taken it upon herself to involve others.

A 1995 Delta Sigma Theta alumnus of the Delta Psi Chapter, Theresa sent a mass e-mail to current and past sorority members of Michigan seeking pledges and possible plungers for this year’s Detroit Polar Plunge. Fifteen of her sorority sisters from different schools (University of Michigan Dearborn, University of Detroit Mercy, and Marygrove College) decided to jump. A few others pledged money.

With the help of her sisters, Theresa was able to raise more than $3,100 for Special Olympics Michigan and was extremely happy with the results.

Theresa said, “I set a goal for each member who participated, an amount of $200, but a lot of sisters who helped raised more than that.” She said, “It’s great and very exciting that we were able to raise so much for such a great cause.”

Many of Theresa’s sisters are first time plungers and were extremely nervous, and Jeanean M. Bryant was no exception. Jeanean said, “I am very excited and scared to plunge.” She said, “I can’t swim.”

Jeanean didn’t have to plunge, but with the support of her sisters and with a little hesitation, she was determined to overcome her fears and plunge. Jeanean said, “I am always here for the people, and right now, I am here for the people of Special Olympics Michigan.”  

Despite not being able to swim, Jeanean plunged! She later said she would do it all over again and probably will next year.

After the shock of the icy water, Jeanean said, “It’s a great cause and I consider myself to be a community activist.” She said, “I don’t see why I wouldn’t do this again next year.”

Next year, Theresa hopes more sisters will donate and take the plunge. She said, “It doesn’t take much to convince sisters to plunge and get involved.” She said, “It’s such a great cause that people are always more than willing to help and hopefully next year, we will have a bigger turnout.”

Posted: 2010-03-03