Penguin Plungers raise $4K for Special Olympics
—Photo by KRAMER PHOTOGRAPHY Boundary County Sheriff David Kramer and Candy Beck with participating residents at the 2017 Special Olympics Penguin Plunge.
—Photo by KRAMER PHOTOGRAPHY Tom Chaney wins first place for his American spirit costume at the 2017 Special Olympics Penguin Plunge.
—Photo by KRAMER PHOTOGRAPHY Marciavee Cossette wins 2nd place for her butterfly costume at the 2017 Special Olympics Penguin Plunge.
—Photo by KRAMER PHOTOGRAPHY Judges from left, Rick Alonzo, Joel Minor, Rick Collodi, and Gary Pflueger at the 2017 Special Olympics Penguin Plunge.
—Photo by KRAMER PHOTOGRAPHY 2017 Special Olympics Penguin Plunge participants.
BONNERS FERRY — Close to 140 Boundary County residents flocked to the shores of the icy cold Kootenai River on Saturday in support of the 2017 Special Olympics Penguin Plunge, in association with the Idaho Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Sixty four brave plungers raised over $4,000 in pledges in this year’s fundraising event. The event kicked off with teams and single jumpers reciting the Athlete’s oath “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in my attempt,” before taking the plunge with their faithful supporters cheering them on.
Boundary County Special Olympics coach John Beck thanked the community for their support, and emphasized that 75 percent of donations are used to support local athletes to compete in state and regional competitions.
Boundary County Public Information Officer Michael Meier, along with Boundary County Sheriff DAvid Kramer, Mc’d the event.
“It was a fun and very successful day,” Meier said. “We appreciate everyone who came out to support the Special Olympics’ athletes,” Meier said. “Without the generous support and donations from communities such as ours, Special Olympics would not be possible.”
Kootenai Tribe Police Chief Joel Minor, City Councilman and former Bonners Ferry Police Chief Rick Alonzo, Superintendent of Boundary County Schools Gary Pflueger, and special guest FBI Supervisory Special Agent Richard Collodi served as judges for the fundraiser.
Jumpers received gifts for their participation and were judged on spirit, costume, most money raised, and the judge’s choice.
The Distinguished Young Woman’s group received this year’s Spirit Award. Tom Chaney took first place in costume awards, with Marciavee Cossette winning second, and The Pink Flamingos taking home third.
Most money raised was Fire Chief Tony Rohrwasser of South Boundary Fire Protection District bringing in $1,000 in pledges.