4 March 24, 2015 2015 Polar Plunge Magazine Lincoln Daily News.com
When all were done, it was back on the bus
for the ride back to the KC Hall. There all the
plungers enjoyed a free lunch of hot dogs and
chili. Meals were also available for purchase by
guests.
At 1 p.m., Joanie Keyes, the Special Olympics
Area 10 director, began the afternoon awards
program. She said the counting of donations was
still underway, but at that moment, the Lincoln
Plunge had brought in $30,007.91. She said there
were still some matching gifts to be counted and
other dollars that would be added to the total.
Next, there was a recognition of sponsors. Local
sponsors included West-Lincoln Broadwell
School, Logan County Paramedic Association,
Lincoln Rural Fire Protection District, Logan
County Sherriff’s Office and Department
Auxiliary, the Logan County Emergency
Management Agency and its dive and rescue
teams, Logan County Fair Association, City of
Lincoln Fire Department, and Abraham Lincoln
Memorial Hospital. Thanks were given to Wal-
Mart and Wendy’s for food donations and the
Knights of Columbus for the use of the hall.
Recognition was given to the wide variety of
media for their sponsorship and coverage. The
Lincoln Lakes Condo Association was thanked
for providing the location, and Carlton Holdings
was recognized as an event sponsor as well.
Keyes also acknowledged the state-wide
sponsors: Geico, Skinny Pop, Coca-Cola, Beer
Nuts, Apple Vacations, Sports Net, the Knights of
Columbus, and the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Drawings were held for a 50-50 cash prize that
came to just over $50.00. Students only were
allowed to enter for a television drawing. After
the awards had been presented, another series of
drawings took place for some terrific gift baskets.
Before the awards, Keyes said it was time to
select the ‘Honorary Plungers for 2016.’ Lexie,
from this year’s Honorary Plunger team was
called to the front of the room to select the
Honorary Plunger for 2016. The United Riders
Motorcycle Club will be the first in the water next
year.
The ‘Best Costume’ went to Nate Fanning, who
took the plunge as Superman, but was wearing his
Batman shirt when he accepted his trophy.
The ‘Spirit Award’ this year went to an accidental
plunger. Ann Klose had been recruited as the
photographer of the day for Special Olympics.
She had donned her wading boots and was out in
the water taking her shots when she collided with
a plunger. She ended up on her knees in the water,
soaked to the bone along with everyone else.
‘Team Best Costume’ went to the Lynx Won’t
Sink team.
The ‘Oldest Plunger’ this year was Donna Nelson
at 73 years of age.
‘Most Money Raised by an Individual’ was
Julie Bradford with $2,455. Bradford was busy
in the cash room but gave a wave out the door.
Honorable Mention was also given to the second
place person, Paula Coffey, who raised $1,937.
‘Team with the Most Plungers’ went to Lynx
Won’t Sink with 41 plungers. Team Lexie was
also mentioned with 38.
‘Most Money Raised with over 15 people’ in the
team went to Team Lexie with $6,305.
‘Most Money Raised by a team of 5 to 15’ people
went to $1191 went to the Special Olympic team,
Lincoln Gone Crazy.
‘Most Money Raised by a team of less than five
people’ went to Culver’s with $351 by four team
members.
The ‘Cool School Challenge’ went to the Lincoln
Junior High School Trojans who raised $642.
