Special Olympics Holds Polar Plunge

The top athlete fundraiser was Amanda Whiteside who raised $1,400, shown with Mayor Dancy. Pat Nanney Photo.

Special Olympics Rutherford County held a Polar Plunge Fundraiser on March 9 at Forest City - Dunbar Elementary and Summey Park in Forest City.

The top athlete fundraiser was Amanda Whiteside who raised $1,400. The community member who raised the most money was Jefferey Littlejohn with a total of $1,249. The top fundraising team was Centerwell, who raised $1,700.

"Our goal for this event was $5,000 and Saturday the total was up to $10,878. There are still more donations coming in from schools that participated in their own "Plunge in Place," said Allison Kennedy, Exceptional Children's Teacher and Special Olympics coordinator for Rutherford County.

Phillip's Audio provided the music and audio equipment for the event, people had fun dancing before the opening ceremony began. The opening ceremony started with the ROCO Cheerleaders performing a cheer and dance.

"We were excited to have honored guests Mayor Steve Holland of Forest City, Mayor Mickey Bland of Spindale, Mayor Jimmy Dancy of Rutherfordton, and Sheriff Aaron Ellenburg help give out awards during the ceremony," said Kennedy.

The costume contest winners were from the First United Methodist Church of Forest City team, Pastor Curtis Goforth and Youth Minister Kristin Holmstrom who dressed as "Jonah and the Whale" to plunge.

Several door prizes were also awarded, donated by Big Dave's Family Seafood, Enchanted Boutique, B&D Pawn Shop, Rutherford Life Services, Utopia RLS, Thompson Contractors, Pampered Chef Lisa Looney and Special Olympics Rutherford County.

The opening ceremony ended with a surprise guest who wanted to plunge as well, Frosty the Snowman (thanks to Casper's Closet and Kathy Callahan).

After the opening ceremony, the group headed to the Summey Park roundabout, where the Forest City Fire Department was ready to spray the Polar Plunge participants with cold water. Mayor Holland and Sheriff Ellenburg took the plunge first, followed by about 40 others.

"Even with the rain, it was a perfect day. I am so grateful to the committee, athletes, families, businesses, and community members who worked hard to make this fundraiser such a big success," Kennedy added.

The funds raised from this event will support young children, youth and adult athletes in having quality sports opportunities and competition year-round.