Penguin Plunge a frigid success!
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March 14, 2014 |
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By Mike Meier
Boundary County Public Information
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"Captain
America" Dave Kramer and blushing bride
Marciavee Cossette. |
What a successful Plunge this year’s annual “Freezin
for a Reason” was, with 42 jumpers all with
supporting sponsors taking the plunge into the
Kootenai River raising over $7,300 for Idaho
Special Olympics!
Several of the local Special Olympic athletes
were on hand to cheer the jumpers, all wearing
their bright green jackets that were purchased
by Bonners Ferry Rotary, and with a large group
of onlookers, the plungers all survived their
moment of chill dressed in costumes not
providing any protection from the cold.
It was a tough decision by the panel of judges;
Anika Blackmore, Chief Louie from the lower
Kootenay Band in Canada, and Sheriff Greg
Sprungl, to decide the winners.
South Boundary Fire District team took first
place in the costume, as all the male members
were "dressed" up, The second place costume
award went to "The Redneck team" of Tim
Kerstions and Mason McGinnis, who jumped in the
river wearing camo gillie suits, and third place
costume went to Marciavee Cossette, who went as
a "Bride in Wading."
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The Kootenai
River was positively balmy Saturday, as
evidenced by the look on Sue Wilson's
face. She took the plunge once
again with her compatriots at U.S.
Customs & Border Patrol. |
The Spirit award went to the Distinguished Young
Women team, who showed up in force with a very
positive attitude; the Judges' Choice award went
to Hannah Fields, and the most money raised
award was presented to Dorey Rowland.
Rubber penguins were sold for a donation of $5
each, and one of the penguins plucked from a
kiddy pool with the winner receiving a 50/50
split of the money raised from the sale. Search
and Rescue member Bart Camps was the lucky
winner, who also donated a large portion of his
winnings back to Special Olympics.
This event could not be possible without the
support of the community and plungers.
We would like to especially thank Super One
Foods and Safeway for providing the food and
dishes, Sue Wilson for the coffee and award
prizes, Helping Hands of Naples for the tasty
snacks and Wal-Mart for the gift card, as well
as all of those who made pledges or donated to
the event.
We would also like to thank our MC for the
event, Mike Meier, Boundary County PIO and
Boundary Search and Dive Rescue, and the
Boundary County Sheriff’s Office and Boundary
Volunteer Ambulance for helping with safety at
the event.
A photo record of this incredible event is
available for your viewing pleasure at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/76841099@N05/sets.
Thank you to our community for your
participation and huge turnout for this event,
we hope to see you next year for Penguin Plunge
2015! |
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