Carmen Bianco, one of the organizers of the Leadership Butler County Groundhog Plunge, is ready for the plunge that will be Feb. 5 at Pleasant Valley Beach, Moraine State Park. The plunge will benefit the Butler Children Youth Services Duffel Bag Project.

How does taking a dip into the bitter cold waters of Lake Arthur sound? On Feb. 5, Leadership Butler County will sponsor a groundhog plunge benefiting the Duffel Bag project.

Leadership Butler County is a nine-month professional development program sponsored by the Butler County Chamber of Commerce. Each year the program comes up with an event to help those in need.

This year the class is raising funds to support the Butler Children Youth Services Duffel Bag Project that provides personal items for children entering foster care.

The event will be held at Pleasant Valley Beach in Moraine State Park.

Scott Snyder, executive director of the American Red Cross Butler chapter, has helped coordinate the plunge.

“We actually got the idea for the plunge from the polar bear plunge that is held New Year's Day in Parker,” said Snyder, a member of this year's leadership Butler County Program.

The polar bear plunge at Boulder Reservoir drew about 1,000 people. Snyder said Leadership Butler County hopes to draw 100.

“We can't give an exact number of people,” Snyder explained, although a handful already have committed on the event's Facebook site.

“Parker's polar bear plunge was just held in January so we don't know how many people around Butler County are going to want to do it again in early February.”

Although most of the other leaders in the program will not be jumping, Snyder has decided to dive.

“It's a good cause so I decided why not jump in,” Snyder said. “For my friends that are not jumping, they are still coming and sponsoring me to watch me jump.”

According to weather.com, the average temperature for Moraine State Park in February is around 32 degrees.

The group says those “too chicken to plunge” can donate and still receive an “I Survived the Groundhog Plunge” T-shirt.

But, if attendees dare to plunge, the registration fee is $20. Registration will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 5. The plunge will begin at 11:30 a.m. Attendees also can register in advance by going to www.dufflebagproject.com.

With a goal set at $20,000, both Westinghouse and BASF, a chemical company in Evans City, both donated $2,000 to the project.

Leadership Butler County will also take donations at their mailing address: Leadership Butler County, P.O. Box 1082, Butler, PA 16003.

Leadership Butler County is also hosting a Mardi Gras Party Feb. 26. at the Atrium in Franklin Township.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. A silent auction will take place with items ranging from sports to spa packages.

All proceeds will benefit the CYS Duffel Bag Project.

For reservations or to donate to the silent auction, call the chamber at 724-283-2222.

<B>WHAT: </B>Leadership Butler County Groundhog Plunge<B>WHEN: </B>11:30 a.m. Feb. 5<B>WHERE: </B>Pleasant Valley Beach, Moraine State Park<B>INFO: </B>Cost is $20. Register from 9 to 11 a.m. on event day or at www.dufflebagproject.com. Proceeds benefit the Duffel Bag Project.———<B>WHAT: </B>Leadership Butler County Mardi Gras Party and silent auction<B>WHEN: </B>6 to 11 p.m. Feb. 26<B>WHERE:</B> The Atrium, 1031 New Castle Road, Franklin Township<B>INFO: </B>Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. For reservations or to donate to the auction, call 724-283-2222. Proceeds benefit the Duffel Bag Project.