SOMO News
RELEASE: Joplin Polar Plunge raises more than $10,600 for Special Olympics Missouri
JOPLIN – The Joplin Polar Plunge on Nov. 4 at Rivers Bend Family Resort was a splashing success, raising $10,640.50 to date. A total 48 brave men and women from around the area donned disco-themed costumes and swimwear to take a chilly dip into Shoal Creek. Their Reason for Freezin’ was the athletes of Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO).
“This was our first Joplin Polar Plunge since 2017, and it was an amazing success,” said Haley Blevins, SOMO’s Southwest Area Development Director. “I’m so glad we brought back this important event! We already can’t wait until next year!”
Online fundraising is still ongoing. Donations can be made here! SOMO has now held 11 Polar Plunges across the state in 2023. These Plunges have raised nearly $900,000! To participate in the Plunge, a Plunger must raise a minimum of $75.
The top individual fundraiser for the Joplin Polar Plunge was Raegan Nolan. She raised $591! Participants were encouraged to come in costume and compete for the chance to take home the “Golden Plunger.” This year’s winner was SOMO athlete Dustine Maupin!
This event was held in conjunction with Joplin Police Department and the Carthage Police Department. Our Joplin Polar Plunge sponsors include Rivers Bend Family Resort, Roper-Honda, Smoothie King Joplin, General Mills and more.
For more information about the Polar Plunge, visit www.somo.org/plunge.
Media is welcome to download and use any pictures from our Flickr page!