Polar bear plungers prepare for frigid annual fundraiser

While most people are staying bundled up this winter to keep warm, some local residents are gearing up to raise money for the Special Olympics Missouri by cooling off.

On Feb. 7, participants will run, jump and dive into the chilly water of Lake Boutin at Trail of Tears State Park for the third annual Polar Bear Plunge. In exchange for their bone-chilling dip, participants collect donations for local Special Olympics athletes.

Since its inception two years ago, the Cape Girardeau event has nearly doubled its fundraising totals.

"Our first year we were planning to raise $10,000 and raised $20,000. Last year we raised $38,000, and the goal for this year is $42,000," said Penny Williams of the area management team for Special Olympics.

Proceeds support year-round sports training and athletic competition for local children and adults with mental disabilities who participate in Special Olympics Missouri.

"To know we are raising money to change the lives of those individuals who are part of the Special Olympics is a good feeling. That is really what it is all about."

Chris Adkisson has plunged in the ice-cold lake each year to support Special Olympics.

"You can't really say it's fun. It's cold. People do it for the cause," Adkisson said. "The first year there was about 5 inches of ice on the lake. The firefighters thought they would be able to jump on the ice, but they couldn't break it with their bodies. Five firemen spent four hours clearing the ice."

Williams hopes for another chilly day this year.

"Last year there was snow everywhere. Not a whole lot, but enough to make it psychologically colder than what it really was," she said. "We're hoping for another cold day. That's what makes this the unique event it is."

Cape Girardeau is one of 13 Missouri locations for the event, and Williams said she's been happy with the local interest.

"When we first started it in Cape, I was kind of hesitant. I wasn't sure if it would be as popular as some of the other plunges," Williams said. "But people have caught on to it and we love it. We have a great crowd out there."

David Hardesty was one of 94 people to take the plunge last year. He's 58, but he said he saw participants of all ages.

"High school kids, businessmen, housewives and other people you would never think would do something like that turn out to do it," Hardesty said.

Individuals, businesses, organizations and schools are welcome to participate as a group, and prizes for reaching fundraising levels are offered, including embroidered beach towels, golf sets, jackets and more. Also, the Golden Plunger Award is up for grabs for the plunger judged as having the best costume.

"The Kiwanis Club dress up in their swimsuit attire, and the police department dresses up as a SWAT team. Last year, a group had bags of ice that they dumped on their heads. It's a crazy event," Williams said.

While costumes are encouraged, participants are not allowed to wear wet suits and shoes are required.

The event is hosted by the Cape Girardeau Police Department and is open to anyone age 10 or older.

Participants must raise a minimum of $50 and include it with a completed registration form. Forms can be found online at www.somo.org/plunge or at the Special Olympics Missouri Southeast Office, 1625 N. Kingshighway.

For those who can't bear the Polar Bear Plunge itself, pledges can be made by sending a check to Special Olympics Missouri, 750 Woodbine St., Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63701. Donations should be made before March 31.