Polar Plunge raised $40,000 for Special Olympics

At the ninth annual Cape Girardeau Polar Plunge on Feb. 7, the organization raised $40,579 for Special Olympics Missouri.

Its goal is to raise $57,000. It is continuing collections through March. Online fundraising is ongoing at somo.org/plunge.

A total of 186 people from around the area jumped into Lake Boutin on that day.

The top fundraisers were:

• Top fundraiser: Christopher Cunningham, $1,405
• Top fundraising group: Samurai Sam's, $8,016
• Top law-enforcement team: Cape Girardeau Police Department, $1,510
• Top fundraising school: Delta High School, $3,329
• Top fundraising college: Southeast Missouri State University football team, $1,248

At the Polar Plunge after-party, "Golden Plunger" awards were given to the top teams and individuals with the best costumes and attitude. Disco Divers won the top award for best costumes by individuals. The Kelso Krazies, dressed as a Happy Meal Gang, won the top award for best-dressed team.

This year's Polar Plunge was held in conjunction with the hosting agency, the Cape Girardeau Police Department. Sponsors included American Family Insurance, Ameren Missouri, Banterra Bank, City of Cape Girardeau, Community Aces, Kiwanis, River Radio, Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Cape Girardeau Roller Girls.