A warm winter day for the polar plunge

The weather seemed balmy for an event dubbed the Polar Plunge – the temperature was higher than 70 degrees Saturday afternoon – but the chance to support Special Olympics was more than enough reason for dozens of people to hurl themselves into a pool set up at the Elks Lodge on Saturday.

“It’s just this constant wave of noise”, Joe Burmeister, Rapid City Storm Executive Director, said.

The trio raised $4,000 for the cause, mainly from the efforts of Kirk, whom Hatch said “is the bomb with donations”. Many plungers wore super hero themed costumes as they dove into 56 degree water.

“My (other) son Wesley is a young (Special Olympics) athlete, so we are here to help raise funds because he enjoys competing so much”, said Waite.

Mica Lopez and her group of friends showed up in villain-themed attire.

More than 300 men and women were expected to take part in the annual event meant to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Kentucky.

Kevin Neiley of the Lehigh County Special Olympics says watching his special needs daughter Olivia run track like he did growing up, fills his heart with joy.

It is $75 to register to take the plunge. “I think we all are”, Simpson said. About 320 people participated in either the plunge or 5K. “It’s a good way to be involved with the community”, said Tom Sullivan, a commercial credit analysis at Mercantile Bank in Shepherd.

“We do everything we can to help Special Olympics because they have helped him tremendously”, Reese said.