Whether participants are dedicated or demented matters not a whit. Special Olympics Kansas needs help from volunteers for the 2nd Annual Polar Bear Plunge on Feb. 16.
The Plunge into the icy waters of Mouse Lake was added last year as a fundraising event of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which for years has been the largest sponsor of the Special Olympics. The Emporia event is one of eight planned statewide in February.
Last year, 73 local residents took the jump and subsequently raised $11,560.19.
Participants collected pledges from friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and businesses to gain sponsorships for the event. A minimum donation of $75 is required.
Volunteers may take part as individuals or in five-person teams. Sponsors encourage participants to wear costumes; last year’s garb ranged from jail-inmate gear to penguin outfits.
Each participant will receive a Polar Bear Plunge sweatshirt and will qualify to receive an additional incentive item based on his or her donation, according to information from Plunge headquarters.
On-site registration and check-in will be at 10:30 a.m., followed by a parade of costumes, with the Plunge coming at 11:30 a.m. Awards will be presented at a party afterwards at Wheat State Pizza, 1120 Commercial St.
Participants are encouraged to register online at www.ksso.org or by calling or emailing Jo Bailey at 341-1934 or jobailey@seamless.net.
The event is sponsored by AKA Marketing and Promotions, Wheat State Pizza, and Emporia’s Radio Stations.