Rolla Polar Plunge raises more than $27,000

(Rolla)–The 7th Annual Polar Plunge last Saturday raised more than 27-thousand dollars for Special Olympics Missouri. A total of 17 people participated in the Polar Bear Strut 5-kilometer Run, and 100 people from around the area donned costumes and swimwear to take a chilly dip at Fugitive Beach. Top fundraisers included Jessica Grammer, who took first place individually by raising 645 dollars. The most successful fundraising group was the Dent County Dreamsicles, who raised $3,550. Several Golden Plunger Awards were presented. For individuals, Jessica Grammer took first for her “Darth Vader” costume. Joe Pearl claimed the silver for portraying “Buzz Lightyear.” Allie Huffman took bronze as the “Excited Plunger.” For groups, the gold award went to Rolla Middle School for “Space Theme.” Choices For People won silver for “Tutus.” Waynesville High School won bronze for their “Flipping Plungers.” PlunThe law enforcement gold prize went to the St. James Police Department for its “Men in Black” theme. Rolla P-D took silver for “Astronauts.” And Fort Leonard Wood law enforcement took bronze for its “Football” theme.
Online fundraising is still ongoing. Donations can be made at www.somo.org/plunge.