"I want to thank everyone for all of their effort to make this a
great event," Keyes said.
The projected goal of the event was to raise $30,000 with 200
participants. Those goals were blown out of the water, so to speak,
as 204 people plunged into 36-degree water. Combined, the total
amount of money donated, including $1,100 in sales of lunch and
T-shirts, came to $49,384.37. Of that total, $7,236 was raised by
individual participants who were not on a team.
Ryan Curry was very pleased with this year's event success as
well. Curry took a moment to congratulate the Illinois Special
Olympics women's basketball team, who took first place at a state
competition over the weekend.
"That is what this work here is all about," said Curry.
The following teams received special recognition in this year's
Polar Plunge supporting Special Olympics:
-
Most money raised
by a team with fewer than five people
-
Most money raised
by a team of five to 15 people
-
SOILL Board
Backers, $10,920
-
Lynx Won't Sink
(Lincoln College), $1,567
-
Splash for
Cash, $1,155
-
Most money raised
by a team with 15-plus people
-
Team who recruited
the most plungers
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After the awards were presented, Keyes encouraged everyone to
come back again next year and bring newcomers to participate as
well.
The statewide presenting Polar Plunge sponsor is GEICO. Lincoln
Plunge sponsors were Lincoln Plunge sponsors were Carlton Holdings,
Knights of Columbus, Lincoln Courier, Lincoln Daily News, Logan
County Emergency Management Agency, Logan County Herald., Wal-Mart,
West Lincoln-Broadwell School, and WLCN 96.3 radio.
[By DEREK HURLEY]
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