San Diego Man Takes “Polar Plunge” in Lake Arrowhead for Hospice Patients

San Diego resident Tom Freeley accepted a check for $5,780 from the Lake Arrowhead Rotary Foundation last week, on behalf of Sharp HospiceCare. Freeley participated in the Fifth Annual “PolaRotary Plunge” at Lake Arrowhead, Calif., in February, a fundraising event hosted by Lake Arrowhead Rotary Club.

Diving into lake waters that hit temperatures in the 40’s, Freeley raised the most money over any other individual fundraiser. Through his involvement in the Plunge over the past two years, Freeley’s combined fundraising efforts for Sharp HospiceCare have totaled more than $10,000.

“I very much appreciate the generosity of each and every contributor to this cause,” says Freeley. “Both of my parents went through hospice care many years ago. It feels right to help an organization that specializes in giving help, comfort and support to families during a difficult time."

Freeley also serves on the planning committee for Sharp HospiceCare’s regatta fundraiser, held over two days at Hotel Del Coronado and San Diego Bay. The eleventh annual Sharp HospiceCare Benefit Regatta takes place on Friday, August 23 and Saturday, August 24, 2013, and is expected to raise $250,000. Proceeds go toward the Sharp's Homes for Hospice campaign, an initiative to build hospice homes in San Diego. Past years’ campaigns have led to the completion of two homes in the neighborhoods of La Mesa and Del Cerro. A third home in the South Bay is currently being planned. For more information, visit www.sharp.com/hospice.