Penguin Plunge a frigid success!
March 14, 2014
By Mike Meier
Boundary County Public Information

"Captain America" Dave Kramer and blushing bride Marciavee Cossette.
What a successful Plunge this year’s annual “Freezin for a Reason” was, with 42 jumpers all with supporting sponsors taking the plunge into the Kootenai River raising over $7,300 for Idaho Special Olympics!

Several of the local Special Olympic athletes were on hand to cheer the jumpers, all wearing their bright green jackets that were purchased by Bonners Ferry Rotary, and with a large group of onlookers, the plungers all survived their moment of chill dressed in costumes not providing any protection from the cold.

It was a tough decision by the panel of judges; Anika Blackmore, Chief Louie from the lower Kootenay Band in Canada, and Sheriff Greg Sprungl, to decide the winners.

South Boundary Fire District team took first place in the costume, as all the male members were "dressed" up, The second place costume award went to "The Redneck team" of Tim Kerstions and Mason McGinnis, who jumped in the river wearing camo gillie suits, and third place costume went to Marciavee Cossette, who went as a "Bride in Wading."

The Kootenai River was positively balmy Saturday, as evidenced by the look on Sue Wilson's face.  She took the plunge once again with her compatriots at U.S. Customs & Border Patrol.
The Spirit award went to the Distinguished Young Women team, who showed up in force with a very positive attitude; the Judges' Choice award went to Hannah Fields, and the most money raised award was presented to Dorey Rowland.

Rubber penguins were sold for a donation of $5 each, and one of the penguins plucked from a kiddy pool with the winner receiving a 50/50 split of the money raised from the sale. Search and Rescue member Bart Camps was the lucky winner, who also donated a large portion of his winnings back to Special Olympics.

This event could not be possible without the support of the community and plungers.

We would like to especially thank Super One Foods and Safeway for providing the food and dishes, Sue Wilson for the coffee and award prizes, Helping Hands of Naples for the tasty snacks and Wal-Mart for the gift card, as well as all of those who made pledges or donated to the event.

We would also like to thank our MC for the event, Mike Meier, Boundary County PIO and Boundary Search and Dive Rescue, and the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office and Boundary Volunteer Ambulance for helping with safety at the event.

A photo record of this incredible event is available for your viewing pleasure at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/76841099@N05/sets.

Thank you to our community for your participation and huge turnout for this event, we hope to see you next year for Penguin Plunge 2015!