Splashing success for Special Olympics

A sunny and delightful 30 degrees ushered the community out to Sturges Park on Saturday, March 9 to participate in this year’s Polar Plunge in benefit of Special Olympics.

Over 200 folks took the plunge into icy Buffalo Lake, and raised approximately $49,000 for the cause. The beginning goal for the event was $36,500.

The leaderboard for Buffalo in the category of “Individuals,” as of Tuesday, March 12, included Morgan Kleve in first place with $2,248, with Buffalo Police Department Detective Barrett Chrissis in second place at $1,900. In third was Darlene LaFave, at $1,222.

“Small Corporations,” which included businesses with less than 250 employees, was topped by Booe at $576, Uffda Contracting for second with $190, and in third place was the Hotova Team with $92.

“K-12” jumpers included Wayzata Meadow Ridge Elementary Staff with $2,894, Buffalo Girls Hockey with $2,582, and MHS Unified with $1,687.

“Law Enforcement” included Wright County Thin Blue Line and Beyond with $6,059, and Buffalo Police Polar Plunge Unit with $5,143.

“Special Olympics Minnesota Delegation” included 07.BFC Buffalo Stampede at $3,663, 06.HPS Hutchinson Area Storm at $832, and 07RFD Crow River Special Olympics with $611.

“Other” included Buffalo’s Rotary Club at $2,474, Be Claws We Can with $1,757, and Team Havoc at $1,338.

Mayor Teri Lachermeier stated her enthusiasm for the event during opening remarks, “As Mayor, this is one of the scariest but most rewarding events that I participate in as Mayor. God bless you for coming out and supporting this cause!”

Detective Barrett Chrissis shared that he’d been raising money for Special Olympics for 20+ years, and that he looked forward to the event each and every year. He also sang the National Anthem to kickstart the event.

The fundraiser is sponsored by Minnesota law enforcement as part of the year-round fundraising of Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Minnesota.

On site were Wright County Specialized Units such as the Underwater Recovery teams; Buffalo Police, and other EMS.

Publication: 

The Drummer and The Wright County Journal Press

PO Box 159
108 Central Ave.
Buffalo MN 55313

www.thedrummer.com

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