Western Kentucky Polar Plunge raised $89,231 for Special Olympics

Plungers enjoyed warm temperatures but met with chilly waters at Saturday's Western Kentucky Polar Plunge. — Plungers enjoyed warm temperatures but met with chilly waters at Saturday’s Western Kentucky Polar Plunge.

GILBERTSVILLE – It was a beautiful, warm winter’s day on Saturday but the water was a different story as plungers jumped into Kentucky Lake at the 2016 Western Kentucky Polar Plunge at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park.

Plunging in style in a long red dress and red pumps was Benton Middle School teacher Cody Lane.

Following the Polar Plunge 5K and Opening Ceremony activities at the Convention Center, 346 braves souls plunged into the cold waters, all in good fun and to raise funds for the Special Olympics and at the end of the day on Saturday, $89,231 was raised to support the year-round athletic training and Olympic-type sport competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in Western Kentucky.

This year’s Top fundraiser was Chuck Williams who raised $6,050. The Top Special Olympics Athlete fundraiser was Madi Garland with $2,245.25. Top Too Chicken fundraiser was Amanda Ashlock with $2,407.85 and the Top fundraising team was Murray Special Olympics who raised $12,028.

The Largest Team was the Marshall County Marshal’s bringing in $9,212.08. Individual Costume Contest winner was Addison Harris and the Group Costume winners were the Chilly Dogs from Caldwell County Special Olympics.

Benton Middle School faculty and students participated in the Polar Plunge. BMS
raised $2,184.42. Thanks to everyone for making this a great fundraiser. Thanks to
Mrs. Darnall for coming out to support the plungers.  Special thanks to all the
student plungers and to Mr. Chris Harvey, Mr. Cody Lane,  Mrs. Mariah Wilson, Mrs.
Kristin Kirby, and Mrs. Amy Hamilton for being our faculty plungers.

Click on the photos below to scroll through a few images from Saturday’s Plunge.