1/12/14 - Over 100 fundraisers took on icy waters Saturday afternoon to raise proceeds and awareness for Michigan Athletes competing in the Special Olympics. The 2014 Brighton Polar Plunge, one of 29 Polar Plunges throughout Michigan this year, took place at Brighton High School. The fundraising teams took a jump in the frozen pond behind the high school, with medics and emergency services standing by. Kerry Hincka, a volunteer and the Polar Plunge Coordinator, is also a parent of two athletes for Special Olympics Livingston. Hincka tells WHMI this event has been near to her heart for many years because her daughter Molly has been a long-time participant. The event included a silent auction, games and a parade of costumes through Brighton High Schoolâs gym before the freezing main event. Among returning volunteers to the Polar Plunge included Deputy Dave Loar for the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department. Loar tells WHMI he is in charge of gathering the dive team, EMS and Fire Department, along with taking the plunge himself. This yearâs Brighton High School Polar Plunge raised over $15,000 in funds for Special Olympics Livingston. Special Olympics Michigan is a year round program that offers those with intellectual disabilities a chance to participate in sports. (DK)
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