Polar Plunge Generates Big Bucks for Special Olympics

Video from the Polar Plunge will be available Wednesday evening

Nearly 280 fans of brrr-avery supported Special Olympics athletes by jumping into the waters of Lake Sara Effingham on Saturday, and raised more than $54,426. The funds raised from the Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge benefit Special Olympics Illinois East Central/Area 9, which serves athletes with intellectual disabilities in 12 counties.

Several Plunge teams and individuals were recognized for their accomplishments after the Plunge:

• Top Cool Small School:  Neoga Middle School ($2,775)
• Top Cool Large School Challenge: Mattoon High School
• Lake Land College Cup: Lake Land College Student Government ($620)
• Best Team Costume: Effingham Police Department and Effingham County Sheriff’s Department (Dressed as characters from Will Ferrell Movies)
• Top Cop: Chris Thies ($1,126)
• Largest Polar Plunge Team: Illinois Wesleyan University Athletics (48 Plungers)
• Most Money Raised Team: Sigma RHO Student Council for Exceptional Citizens From Eastern Illinois University ($8,720)
• Most Money Raised Individual: Ken Thompson- returning champion ($4,508)
• Most Deserving Volunteer Group: Eastern Illinois University Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority (Volunteered at Plunge, weeks of preparation for Plunge, and spreading the word about EIU College Cup on campus)

The public can still make donations to Polar Plungers by visiting www.plungeillinois.com and clicking on the “Support a Plunger” button.