Dozens of folks took the frosty plunge into Mayfield Lake last month to raise support for Lewis County Special Olympics athletes and programs.
The dip into the icy water appears to have been worth it from a fundraising standpoint.
Fundraising totals show county employees, athletes and community members raised more than $10,000 for local Special Olympics programs.
Lewis County honored county employees who participated in the year's Icicle Brigade Polar Plunge during the weekly Lewis County Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday morning.
The annual Mayfield Lake polar plunge is organized primarily by local law enforcement and state Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, who founded the event.
It is an opportunity for participants to raise money for Lewis County Special Olympics.
This year, a long list of participants, including many county employees and multiple elected officials like Abbarno and state Sen. John Braun, participated in the plunge, running and jumping into the lake and then quickly retreating from the icy cold waters on the morning of Saturday, Jan. 24.
Lewis County Developmental Disabilities Coordinator Sara Sons during the Tuesday meeting recognized the top fundraising teams and individuals from the county’s own staff and thanked participants countywide.
“To everyone who participated, whether you raised funds, took the plunge or volunteered, thank you,” Sons said. “You didn't just brave the cold water. You helped create opportunity and joy for Special Olympics athletes throughout Lewis County.”
Participants in this year's polar plunge helped raise $16,232 for Special Olympics Washington, according to Sons. The Lewis County Icicle Brigade team brought in $11,655 of that total, which will go directly to the local Special Olympics program in Lewis County, while the rest goes to the statewide organization.
The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, which also helps organize the event, received the top prize as the top fundraising team, bringing in $1,675 for Special Olympics Lewis County. To recognize the department's commitment, the county awarded its staff a glass plaque donated by Alderson’s Awards West and Domino’s Pizza gift cards for the members of the team.
While other teams did not receive any physical awards, Sons also gave a shoutout to the second place team, Lewis County Community Development, and two departments tied for third place, Lewis County Public Works and Public Health and Social Services.
“These teams went above and beyond rallying coworkers, engaging the community and embracing the plunge,” Sons said. “Their enthusiasm, teamwork and commitment to inclusion truly set the bar.”
Sons also announced recognition of the top three individual fundraising county employees: Kelsey Williams, Debbie Schang and Mindy Brooks. She also gave a specific “thank you” to Lewis County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Chief Chris Sweet.
“His commitment has made a significant difference, and we are truly grateful for all he has done to support our Special Olympics program,” Sons said.
The yearly polar plunge is one of two main fundraising events for Lewis County Special Olympics and is sponsored by local law enforcement departments each year, with the other being the Lewis County Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run. The money raised goes to help pay for competition fees, transportation, uniforms and other costs to enable participating athletes.
Sons added that the Icicle Brigade team included law enforcement, Lewis County employees, athletes, volunteers, community supporters and more. Notably, on the day of the plunge, shortly before jumping in the water, Abbarno added that a Washington state Special Olympics soccer team from Kelso that is competing in nationals this year even made the trip up north to participate.
