Every February for the past seven years, VAIL staff, consumers, and supporters have done something a little bit wild. Its called the Arctic Dip. In short, we jump into a lake. Voluntarily. Did we mention this occurs in February? Sometimes the lake is frozen solid and we have to break the ice to make room for all the Dippers who jump into the lake. Voluntarily. Sometimes the weather is unseasonably warm but that doesn't do much for the water temps, if were being totally honest. Still, into the chilly lake staff, consumers, and supporters go. Voluntarily. Regardless of the weather (and we've seen it all, from snow to rain to sun), year after year, lots of slightly whacky people gather on the beach at the lake at Shenandoah Acres Family Campground and Do the Dip. Voluntarily.

We are beyond grateful for all those zany folks who *volunteer* (sometimes with a little assistance) to freeze for us! And wed like to invite you to join us this year, for the 8th Annual Arctic Dip!

VAIL is a non-profit organization that serves five cities and counties across the Shenandoah Valley Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro, Lexington, and Buena Vista, as well as Rockingham, Augusta, Rockbridge, Bath, and Highland counties. Our mission is simple:

To promote self-direction among people with disabilities, and remove barriers to independence in the community.

To do what we do, we need community support. We need your support. We hope you'll volunteer to Do the Dip, which is (maybe surprisingly we admit), a lot of fun! If you're not wild about the idea of actually dipping, we invite you to come cheer for the Dippers. We would be so appreciative if you'd be willing to support their fundraising efforts or just donate on your own. Every penny helps us to keep doing what we do serve some pretty amazing people and their families.

So mark your calendars for Saturday, February 19, 2022, and make your way to Shenandoah Acres to join us for the 8th Annual Arctic Dip! And don't forget to wear your bathing suit under your parka!