Polar Plunge fundraises for Special Olympics
The third annual dip in Stephens Lake raises money for year-round events.
Published Feb. 16, 2010
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Polar BRRR team members gasp as they exit the cold water during the Polar Bear Plunge on Saturday at Stephens Lake Park. The event, which started at Osage Beach in 1994, benefits Special Olympics Missouri.
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Polar Bear Plunge participants bear the cold even before entering the water Saturday at Stephens Lake. The plunge, which typically involves people clad in outlandish costumes jumping into frigid water, raised more than $57,000 this year for Special Olympics Missouri.
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Juniors Rebecca Amitin and Andrea Horowitz attempt to warm up after exiting Stephens Lake on Saturday during the Third Annual Polar Bear Plunge. To enter the event, participants had to raise $50 from donations and sponsors.
People of all ages stripped down, dressed up and went into the icy water of Stephens Lake Park on Saturday.
Some splashed through the water and numbed themselves from the chest down, but others were more timid and dipped their toes to test the water's temperature. Regardless of the approach, everyone was doing it for charity.
The Third Annual Polar Plunge raised money for Special Olympics Missouri to provide year-round sports to more than 2,000 athletes. This year, the event raised more than $57,000.
People had to raise $50 before they could participate, and they received prizes for raising certain amounts.
Ten women from Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority came out to plunge and raised more than $700 as a group.
Senior Kendra Walter said she hopes more women from Sigma Sigma Sigma come out next year.
"It's funny to watch the people and see their faces when they come out of the water, but you're still pumped up to do it," Walter said.
Walter plunged for the third time Saturday but said she never gets used to it.
Before diving in, people got a chance to show their outfits off to the surrounding crowd. The Ninja Turtles, Mario, a walrus and "Snooki" from MTV's Jersey Shore, complete with a burnt orange face, all made an appearance in costume form. At the end of the day, a golden plunger was given to the winning ensemble.
Many people had friends or family in some way connected with the Special Olympics.
Venue coordinator Derina Shelton has been around people with disabilities throughout her whole life. She said her sister has epilepsy, and she used to baby-sit a girl with Down syndrome.
"I do it for the athletes, it's the best feeling in the world," Shelton said. "Once you do it once, you're hooked."
Shelton volunteers at many of the Special Olympics events, including the state games.
Others also came to help the cause.
Sophomore Matthew Keller said he wanted to plunge in part to live up to his nickname, polar bear, but also he came to fundraise and walk away with good memories.
"If it's to have fun and raise money were definitely going to do it," he said. "We would just be sitting around anyways."
The Columbia Police Department helped present the event, and many other sponsors provided different services.
Senior Allyson Pittman became involved with the Special Olympics Missouri through the School of Journalism. After working for SOMO for two years, Pittman was put in charge of encouraging students to go to the plunge. Her programs provided incentives for students who raise a certain amount.
"It's a rewarding experience to see where the money goes and see the athletes benefit," Pittman said.