Taking the New Year’s plunge: Event raises money for Special Olympics

Icy shock waves jolted approximately 30 brave souls New Year’s Day morning as Redmond Police Department (RPD) employees and residents ran into the frigid Lake Sammamish waters at Idylwood Park, raising nearly $6,000 for Special Olympics Washington.

By Adelaide Tillinghast • January 4, 2011 5:26 pm
Nearly 30 people ran into the frigid waters of Lake Sammamish New Year's Day to help raise money for the Special Olympics Washington as part of the Fifth Annual Redmond Polar Plunge
Nearly 30 people ran into the frigid waters of Lake Sammamish New Year's Day to help raise money for the Special Olympics Washington as part of the Fifth Annual Redmond Polar Plunge

Icy shock waves jolted approximately 30 brave souls New Year’s Day morning as Redmond Police Department (RPD) employees and residents ran into the frigid Lake Sammamish waters at Idylwood Park, raising nearly $6,000 for Special Olympics Washington.

Lindsey Montague, a 22-year-old Special Olympic athlete, has participated in the Special Olympics for the City of Redmond for 12 years and is one of many people who will benefit from the event. In the five years hosting the plunge, the RPD, with the help of volunteers, has raised thousand of dollars. Last year, the event raised more than $10,000, an all-time high for the event. All proceedings go to the local division of Special Olympics Washington, said Jim Bove, RPD community outreach facilitator.

“I am constantly inspired,” said Ken Kieffer, a veteran plunger and Special Olympics volunteer since the 1980’s. “It is a wonderful cause and it is fun.”

The Redmond Polar Plunge is part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run campaign for Special Olympics, which is one of the largest grassroots movements in the nation. The Redmond Polar Plunge is directly supported by the parks department, which helps maintains Idylwood Park.

“It feels good to give back to the community,” said Patricia Anders, whose five-year-old son, Jasper Anders was the youngest plunger at the event.

This year, members of the Issaquah swim team took the plunge and were awarded the top fundraising team with $765. Ben Nussbaum, a ninth-grader on the team, attended this event last year and decided to rally more team members and money to support the cause.

“I wanted to do it again because last year was a lot of fun and it [the money] is going to a good cause,” said Nussbaum.

Along with many other young plungers was Johnathan Lyga, a four-year veteran plunger at only 10-years-old. At past plunges, he has won best costume and was the highest fundraiser for his age group. After Christmas, he fundraised outside of the QFC at Bella Botega in Redmond.

“I like jumping in the water, but mostly I like raising money for a good cause,” said Lyga.

Redmond Police employees, including Jim Bove, also participate in other fundraising events throughout the year for Special Olympics Washington, such as Tip-a-Cop, where athletes and officers shadow waiters and bus tables at Red Robin and the Claim Jumper to earn tips.