By Kimberly King and Ruby Annas
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BLACK MOUNTAIN, North Carolina (WLOS) — Volunteers helping Helene families in Swannanoa and Black Mountain are taking it one step further with a polar plunge pool challenge to raise thousands.
Beth Rathbone is a swim coach for Owen High School in Buncombe County and Mountain Heritage in Yancey County.
She has a personal goal to raise $6,000 as she plunges this Saturday, Jan. 25 into a Black Mountain pool in frigid temps.
Friends and strangers are donating to her Venmo account.
“So, for me to be in 20-degree weather outside and my pool temperature to be in the teens it’s a huge thing but it’s something I’m willing to do even though I normally wouldn’t for a better cause which is helping people in WNC,” said Rathbone.
Rathbone’s plunge is part of an all-day event that includes a block party fundraiser from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 25 at Dark City Customs body shop on Old 70.
Money will go towards building tiny homes and will support existing homes that need roofs, insulation and drywall.
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