Despite the weather, the 2015 edition of the Special Olympics Indiana Polar Plunge and After Splash Bash made a huge splash at Saturday, Feb. 21, Versailles State Park.
Unfortunately, all morning activities, including the Polar Climb 5K Run and 3K Walk, had to be canceled and many Plunge participants were not able to attend due to hazardous road conditions. There were seventy Plungers who braved the falling snow and the lake’s freeszing temperatures to raise approximately $43,119, about $16,225 shy of last year’s total.
But the main plunge went on with many plunger ready and willing to make the leap in the cold and snow.
During the After Splash Bash many participants were recognized for some of their extraordinary efforts.
The Knights of Columbus and Quinton Residential Living were honored as state sponsors. Paul Sipples and Brad Walker of Versailles State Park were recognized for their eight years of supporting the Polar Plunge at the park.
Others recognized included:
Best Costume: Gru & The Minions
Largest Group To Plunge: Powerlifting Polar Bears with Tim Paul -28 Members
Most Money Raised By A Team: Powerlifting Polar Bears with $4,006
Most Money Raised By An Individual: Owen Menchoffer with $1,660
Public Safety Challenge Award: Moores Hill Fire Department’s Fire Chicks with $1,145
Largest Cool School Challenge Team: Milan High School
Top Cool School Fundraising Team: South Ripley High School
Star Student: Annie Goodpaster-South Ripley with $320
Top Teacher/Coach: Ryan Langferman-Milan with $275
Overall Top Cool School Fundraising Team For All Divisions: South Ripley High School
For those who collected pledges, but were unable to attend, they are invited to mail in their pledges collected by Tuesday, March 3, and in return, will be mailed any incentive earned for fundraising efforts. Mail to: Special Olympics Indiana, 429 Manchester St., Aurora, IN 47001. Please be sure to include a note with your shipping address and which event you were going to participate in – Polar Plunge, Pee Wee Plunge or the Polar Climb 5K Run/3K Walk. Please contact us at info@soindiana-rod.org with any questions.
