Polar Plunge seeks to raise $57,000 in cold cash

For the ninth annual Southeast Missouri Polar Plunge on Saturday, organizers are hoping to raise $57,000 to benefit Special Olympics.

By Thursday afternoon, $11,268 had been raised in online contributions.

Special Olympics Regional development director Penny Williams said more than 220 teams have registered, and applications will be accepted until it begins. All that's required to participate is raising $75 in advance and being at least 10 years old.

This year's theme is "Don't Worry, Plunge Happy," and Williams is hoping warmer weather, forecast for temperatures in the 50s, will bring a large number of participants.

Last year, more than 300 people rushed into the lake at Trail of Tears State Park, topping 2013's 292 participants. The goal in 2014 was to raise about $53,000, and Williams thought after calculating the day's fundraising of $48,000, plus money raised from souvenir sales and a silent auction, the organization was close to reaching its goal.

Polar Plunge is the biggest annual fundraiser for Special Olympics Missouri, a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. More than 17,000 athletes participate in 21 Olympic-type sports throughout the state, according to the organization's website.

Registration is available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at the Osage Centre. On the day of the event, registration opens at noon at Lake Boutin, the plunge beings at 2 p.m., and the post-plunge party will be at 4 p.m. at the Isle of Capri Casino's banquet room. At the post-plunge party, golden plungers will be awarded to teams and people with the best costumes.

Parking will be available at the Procter & Gamble parking lot, with shuttles running to the casino and the lake.

smaue@semissourian.com

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