Polar Plunge raises $60,000 for Special Olympics
Amanda Smith raised $280 so she could jump into ice cold water, while on crutches and dressed as a loofah.
“I’m going to have to be carried out, but it’s happening," the Canton senior said. "We’re really dedicated."
284 plungers dressed in costumes for 2015 Polar Plunge. Participants raised more than $60,000 for Special Olympics Michigan. Central Michigan University's Leadership Institute raised the most for the organization.
“A lot of people dress up in a crazy costumes. They’ll bust out their Halloween costumes from the year before,” said Arron Mills, Public Relations and Social Media Manager for Special Olympics Michigan.
In previous years, the event was held at Rose Pond outside of the Student Activity Center on campus. This was the first year the event was held at O’Kelly’s Sports Bar & Grill and Wayside Central, with two swimming pools set up in the parking lot.
“You’ve got all these people coming out, whether its students, community members, faculty and staff, that get a little crazy, dress a little goofy and jump in some freezing water, all for Special Olympics athletes,” said Dan Ekonen, director of unified sports for Special Olympics Michigan.
Ekonen has been helping organize the plunge for the past seven years.
If spectators weren’t outside, they were inside enjoying the After Splash Bash. Drinks, t-shirts and live music filled the bar. A few local bands, including Jedi Mind Trip, a Michigan classic rock band, played for participants inside the Wayside.
28 Polar Plunges were scheduled statewide this year. So far, 20 of the events are completed. The events have raised more than $900,000 for Special Olympics.
