Plunge raises $30,000 for Special Olympics

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The sixth annual Polar Plunge last weekend raised more than $30,000 for the Special Olympics of Allen County, which hosted the event.

During the event at Parkview Field, 185 people climbed a platform and plunged into a new unused trash bin donated by Republic Services. The bin was filled with eight feet of ice-cold water by the Fort Wayne Fire Department.

“It’s a crazy fundraiser,” said Julia Fiechter, fundraising and event coordinator. “But that’s kind of the point of the plunge.

“It takes courage to get in, and it takes courage to get out. And it takes courage for our athletes to learn new skills and compete.”

The money raised will help buy uniforms and equipment and pay for facility rentals to participate in the state Special Olympics summer games June 7-9 at Indiana State University in Terre Haute.