KEARNEY-The 25th Annual Kearney Polar Plunge raised $20,100 at Yanney Park on Saturday.
The annual event challenges participants to take a cold dip to show their support for the Special Olympics.
According to Head Organizer with The Law Enforcement Torch Run, Seth Van Horn stated there were 75 registered plungers. About 100 people came out to show their support.
Many braced the cold waters solo, and others as team. Organizations that participated include, Good Samaritan AirCare, Bryan Health, Kearney Winnelson, and more. A variety of teams dressed up for the occasion, ones in tie-dye t-shirts or scrubs and others in Pokémon onesies.
To ensure the safety of plungers at the event the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department Dive Team, and Good Samaritan EMS were present. The Nebraska State Patrol, Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office and Kearney Police Department were also in attendance. MCing the event was Scott O’Rourke of Y102.
A post-plunge party was held at The Chicken Coop. Awards were given to the top three organizations/individuals who raised the most in the fundraising. The top participant raised $1700. In addition, an award was given to the Golden Girls group for best costumes.
Seth shared that this was his first time as head organizer of the event but had previous experience as he assisted Nebraska State Patrol Trooper Jeff Boston in the last eight years.
“We look forward to next year.”