Kansas State University - Royal Purple Yearbook (Manhattan, KS)

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.2 ,, T, by Yvonne Ramirez r a Crowds watched as dozens of people CCIZUS6 plunged into the icy waters of 'lhttle Creek Lake. Their leaps into the lake raised approximately 315,500 for the Kansas Special Olympics Feb. 27. We decided to get a team going, raise as much money as We could, and now We are not warm, Brianna Schulte, senior in mass communications, said. I've had Warmer days, but I'm feeling pretty good. It was for a good cause. Polar Plunge had been held in Kansas for more than 12 years and was sponsored by the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Approximately 20-30 teams and individuals raised money and took the plunge in return. We didn't think We were going to l do it, but in the last Week and a half We finally said, 'OK, let's do this, ' said James Rico, historian of Phi Beta Sigma and senior in psychology. We raised S200 in one Week. We jumped on it as fast as We couldf' In addition to the plunge, the event had a light atmosphere because participants dressed up for a costume contest. Some teams were dressed as Smurfs and penguins, While others Wore hula skirts, Speedos and tutus. uit kind of just creates some fun, and Fl? Y' 1

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Phi Beta Sigma fraternity runs out of chilly Tuttle Creek in order to raise money for the Special Olympics. Although it vyas cold outside l really enjoyed the whole thing because I knew we were raising money for really great cause, Wilson Meeks Ill, senior in architecture, said. Dan lylinihan, puts a plunger on his head with his fathers help. Plungers were placed on the participants heads before they entered the vvater. Members ot Phi Beta Sigma fraternity also traveled to Fort Hays State University to help raise money for the Special Olympics. Chelsy Lueth lot of teams really get into it and have me creativity said Jana Fornelli, state irector of the Special Olympics Kansas olar Plunge My favorite were the enguins they were really cute. Participants said freezing was worth eir efforts to fundraise for a good cause. Its just good to realize how you can ork toward something good, Schulte aid I know it doesnt really seem like it y freezing but we ve raised money, and re can put it toward an effort that will iatter to a lot of people. A minimum of six months went tto making the plunge possible at 10 Jcations statewide Prior to the event, I 8 l I 'N medical specifics, logisitics, prizes and public relations personnel coordinated to make the event safe. uEverybody does have to sign a waiver, Fornelli said. MWe encourage shoes to wear into the water, and we don't let people stay in the water very long. Those Wanting to participate without getting cold and wet could donate for others to plunge. Different teams and individuals took varying approaches in raising money for the event. Some groups, such as greek houses, set up tables in the K-State Student Union. ttWe're giving up something for a bigger cause, so that's the reason people donate, Rico said. Because they want to get involved but don't want to jump, we do it for them. An afterparty at R.C. McGraws allowed participants to mingle. Prizes went to the individual or team that raised the most money and those who won the costume contest. R.C. McGraws raised the most money for the plunge - 34,086 I know it's hard for people to want to jump into the cold water, but it shows Special Olympics athletes that you can do it for them, Fornelli said. I think it's something unique - it's an opportunity to support Special Olympics and just give back to people. polar plunge ll 25