This certainly wasn't your normal February day to be testing your bravery by diving into a lake normally similar to a bathtub full of ice. However, not everyone thought conditions were too pleasant. "When I dove in, it was cold," said John Grider, a first-time plunger. "It felt pretty good once you got out." Grider was one of 632 people who participated in Saturday's Polar Bear Plunge dubbed "Freezin' for a Reason," including 80 who were part of the Warren County Handicapped Services "Noah's Ark"-theme animal group. The sixth annual event was held at Lake Saint Louis. Participants dressed in whatever costume they could dream up. Characters from the KISS band to superheroes to giraffes wandered around the Lake Saint Louis Community Association clubhouse. The goal each year from the multiple plunges that occur across the state is to provide money for Special Olympics and fund year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with mental disabilities. This year's local group of 80 participants doubled last year' s turnout of 41, according to Warren County Handicapped Services plunge organizer Jamie Washburn. When the organization first began plunging in 2005, Washburn was one of two people who braved the chilly waters. ð"I have never seen so much community support and enthusiasm," Washburn said. "It was so much fun. It made the best day ever. It gives you goose bumps that so many people came and participated and jumped." Grider never planned on actually taking part in this year's event. However after he quipped that he would plunge if a certain dollar amount was raised, co-workers at the General Motors plant in Wentzville started emptying their wallets last Friday. Within two hours, $700 was donated. By Saturday afternoon, Grider was donning a penguin suit. "It's fantastic," he said, sporting a smile that began two hours before the actual plunge and remained as he left the water. Grider's co-worker and Warrenton resident Bill Chancellor was the top fundraiser with nearly $7,000 in donations. Saturday was the fourth time he plunged and he has coached a local Special Olympics basketball team for five years. Regardless, he deflected praise to the many others who donated to the cause. "For Special Olympics, it's easy to ask for money," Chancellor said. "It's one of those things the normal population doesn't understand. Most people, if they would take a look, they would be involved. It's really great." Washburn said approximately $15,000 was raised through the local participation. The money will be used to fund 83 participants at the Special Olympics state basketball tournament to be held March 21-22 in Wentzville. In addition, Warren County Handicapped Services will be able to pay for an overnight hotel stay to Sedalia for 24 people with mental disabilities. Overall, plunge organizers said $124,000 was raised by early Monday. They were seeking an additional $16,000 this week to reach their goal of $140,000. Saturday's Polar Bear Plunge was hosted by the Lake Saint Louis and O'Fallon police departments and was one of 13 held across the state this year. On Feb. 21, the 12th Judicial Circuit Court will host a plunge at Kiwanis Lake in Mexico, Mo., at 2 p.m. People may register on-line at www.somo.org/plunge. ð

Perfect Weather, Perfect Cause

Perfect Weather, Perfect Cause