Cottonwood Heights - Cottonwood Heights residents took a dip for a good cause. In the first annual Spring Splash event, residents swam in the Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center outdoor pool on March 19, despite the chilly weather, in order to raise money for leukemia.

“It’s the first year we’re doing this, but we’re hoping to make it an annual thing for different charities,” said Katie Romney, the marketing director at the Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center. 

The idea for the charity event came from one of the recreation center’s employees, whose father passed away from leukemia. The center decided to host the charity fundraiser this year and continue on with the annual tradition. Next year’s charity has yet to be determined. The center ended up raising $400. 

Guests paid $20 to swim, though some donated without diving in. 

“It’s similar to the polar plunge but not as cold,” Romney said. “People didn’t have to participate. They just donated and supported.”

Those who participated received an embroidered beanie. Next year, Romney hopes the center will be able to give out entire swag bags to participants. 

Representatives from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society were at a booth to give out educational information to the public. 

The turnout was small, but Romney said she didn’t expect a large crowd since it wasn’t official until two weeks before the event. 

“If we had 20 to 50 people, I would have been stoked,” Romney said.