Freezin' For Reason Returns to Reston Feb. 2

It's that time of year again. Time to don a crazy costume - or just be kind of brave — and jump in Lake Anne for a good cause.

The sixth annual Freezin’ for a Reason Virginia Polar Dip returns to Reston next Saturday. The event raises money for Camp Sunshine, a residential camp in Maine for kids (and their families) undergoing treatment for life-threatening illnesses.

Last year's event raised more than $76,000 for the cause. The 2013 goal is to raise over $100,000, which will allow 50 Mid Atlantic-area families to attend the camp.

The Polar Dip begins at noon at Lake Anne Plaza with family-friendly activities and warm-up. The actual dip starts at 2 p.m. Participants can choose the full lake jump, or a "chicken dip."

Each participant will raise/donate a minimum of $100 for the opportunity to plunge into the winter water, and will receive a commemorative “I DID IT” event shirt. Not dipping? Spectators are welcome to come and cheer for the plungers.

The Virginia Polar Dip was started in 2008 by Bill and Gail Toth of Vienna, who first attended Camp Sunshine as a participating family in 1996 when their daughter Jennifer, then age 3, was a cancer patient.

Since then, 480 people have participated in the Virginia Polar Dip raising over $232,700 for the camp. The camp organizes 11 polar dips on the East Coast each year.

The event will be emceed by Mix 107.3 radio personality Chilli Amar. The dip will happen rain or shine, but may be rescheduled if a major snowstorm is forecast.

For more info or to register for the Polar Dip visit www.freezinforareason.com or www.campsunshine.org.