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Students, Columbia residents take the Polar Bear Plunge

The event raised $36,000 for disabled athletes.

By Will Guldin

Published Feb. 16, 2009

The water temperature at Stephens Lake was 33 degrees Saturday, but it didn't deter more than 250 people from jumping in.

The Columbia's second annual Polar Bear Plunge was held to raise money for Special Olympics events in central Missouri.

Special Olympics Missouri Training Coordinator Susan Shaffer said the money is used to support athletes in the various sporting events that take place throughout the year.

Along with the entry fees, the event raised more than $36,000. This money would help parents of Special Olympics athletes pay for their children to participate in these events.

"It provides funding for programs that our son can participate in," Columbia resident Glenda Hood said. "My son is in bowling, swimming and track. We have to pay for facilities to practice in, and when we have to go to events, there has to be food provided to the athletes."

In order to qualify for the plunge, people were encouraged to form a team, and each member had to raise at least $50 in order to jump. Many teams were sponsored, and most teams had a unique theme, along with costumes.

Although many participants acknowledged the event was for a good cause, it was not always the primary motivation.

"It sounded like fun," senior Elliot Hasse said. "We thought it would be a good time. And we made some awesome costumes, with a bow and arrow."

Some people weren't as willing to participate in the event but recognized the importance of the cause.

Firefighter David Haney said he wouldn't jump into the frigid water but admitted if it helps out a good cause, then it is worth it. Haney and other members of the Columbia Fire Department were on hand for safety reasons.

Although this is only second year the Polar Bear Plunge has taken place in Columbia, a similar event has been held at the Lake of the Ozarks for the past 14 years.

SOMO Center Area Director Diane Brimer said people will begin to see the Polar Bear Plunge as a unique aspect of Special Olympics fundraising.

"About five years ago we looked at it and were like, you know, this could be our signature event," Brimer said. "When you think Relay for Life, you think American Cancer Society. Well, it would be the same thing for us. When you think Polar Bear Plunge, you automatically think Special Olympics."

This was the first major fundraiser for SOMO this year, and Brimer said despite this year's economic recession, the event brought in more funds than last year.

"To be able to raise more money than we did last year, when the economy was looking a lot better than this year's is, honestly, it is unbelievable," Brimer said.