Hot Springs Polar Plunge raises awareness, funds
The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Arkansas hosted its local premier fundraising event, the 2022 Hot Springs Polar Plunge, in February, according to a news release.
Held at Hot Springs Health and Fitness Club’s outdoor pool, the “Thrill of the Chill” was experienced by 94 plungers including 11 teams from law enforcement, businesses, schools, fraternities, and a civic club.
Together, they raised $18,539 and awareness for Special Olympics Arkansas, the release said.
Plungers were encouraged to wear costumes which were judged by Cindy Myers, Hot Springs Board of REALTORS president, District 5 City Director Karen Garcia, Jason Pate, Civitan member and former Special Olympic athlete, and Vicki Parker of the US97 Wake Up Crew. Central Arkansas Foot Care won the costume contest.
Cool School Certificates were awarded to the large and small schools raising the most money. Large school Lake Hamilton raised $3,565 and Mountain Pine took the small school title with $2,515. The nonschool team raising the most money was the Hot Springs Police Department S.W.A.T team, with $2,990, the release said.
Piney Fire Department provided two trained rescue volunteers who “thankfully weren’t put to work in the frigid water,” the release said. Bobber, the Water Safety Dog, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, was on hand to provide tips and pose for pictures.
The US97 Wake Up Crew emceed the event while Hot Springs Civitan Club provided the volunteers.
“The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is the largest grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics with more than 100,000 law enforcement participants around the world. At its most basic level, the Torch Run is an actual running event where law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes run the “Flame of Hope” into the Opening Ceremonies of Special Olympics competitions,” the release said.