2/23/13 - More than 60 people voluntarily took a jump on Saturday into a frigid pond behind Brighton High School for the annual Brighton Polar Plunge. The event benefits the Livingston County chapter of the Special Olympics of Michigan, which provides hundreds of athletes with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to compete, have fun and not only be together as a community, but also be part of the community. Prior to the plunge, three young girls from Brightonâs Hornung Elementary School, Lauren Trombley, Claire Mykols and Katie Zukowski, gathered together as a team called the Diving Dogs, raising more than a thousand dollars for the cause by tapping their friends and family, but also fellow school-mates through the school's newspaper. They said while they were a bit apprehensive to take part in their first Polar Plunge, they were happy to do it for such a good cause. The top fundraiser, P.J. Sapienza, brought in $3,186.24 and was also voted to have the best costume, that of a pirate. The Brighton Roller Dollz roller derby team came in second with $2,280.05. In all, organizers say they raised more than $24,000. A final event Sunday will help add to that total. The Polar Plunge Afterglow Fashion Show will take place at the Downtown Main Martini Bar & Grille from 5-9pm, with proceeds benefiting Special Olympics. (JK)
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