Taking the plunge-again!

The second Penguin Plunge to benefit Idaho Special Olympics will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 5 at the Kootenai River.

It will take place at the mouth of Deep Creek with plunge participants entering the water at noon. 

Freezin for a Reason is sponsored by the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Idaho Special Olympics a cool way for people with warm hearts to raise money for Special Olympics Idaho. 

This year promises to be an exciting plunge as there will be several  community leaders taking the plunge including Mike Davis of Iron Mike's Gym,  Brett Brown and Steve Donn managers of Safeway, D.A.R.E Officer Tiffany Murray, and Customs and Border Protection Port Directors, Tish Lagerwey and Sue Wilson, to name a few.

There are hopes to see first responder groups put together a team, along with a possible team from the Idaho National Guard.

There will  be a Cool Schools competition and prizes for best costume, most money raised, senior plunger and team spirit.

To participate or support a plunger for this event go to www.idso.org and click on the Bonners Ferry Penguin Plunge link. 

From this link people can register, print a flyer for gathering pledges or find a plunger to support.

To be a plunger a minimum of $50 in pledges is needed.  Plunge participants earn a T-shirt and a hot meal with their plunge into the Kootenai River.  There are incentive prizes for higher levels of pledges. 

Plungers   will have a choice to jump off the dock into the river, or wade out on the boat launch.

The community is encouraged to participate by sponsoring a plunger, becoming a plunger or support a plunger  by coming out to watch them take their plunge.

Registration and check in for the event will begin at 11 a.m.

Boundary Volunteer Ambulance will help set up the changing tents and will  stand by during the event.  Boundary County Search and Rescue team volunteers  will  provide safety in the water along with the Boundary County Sheriff’s Department marine boat.   Red Cross will have volunteers helping with registration and serving meals.

Special Olympics Idaho is a non-profit organization that provides training and athletic competition in 15 Olympic-type sports, year round and free of charge to over 2,500 children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout the State of Idaho.  Through public awareness and volunteer recruitment, we hope to reach and serve potential athletes who are waiting for their opportunity to participate.

Plunge side

• Mugsy’s Tavern and Grill will be having an ice breakers gathering at 4 p.m. Friday, March 4, the night before the plunge, with drink specials and $1 off appetizers.  Some of the proceeds will benefit the plunge.