Strip down and take the plunge. The Polar Bear Plunge for the Special Olympics Missouri has begun taking names and donations for its 2008 event.

Last year was the first year for the Southeast Area to hold the Plunge. Eighty people signed up to run full-force into the February waters of the Trail of Tears State Park's Lake Boutin.

They ended up raising $19,000, almost double what the Special Olympics Missouri had expected to raise. This year organizers hope to get at least 175 people and raise $32,000.

Each person must donate or raise $50 to participate, but more is always welcome. There are prizes for raising $300, $500 and $1,000, plus an award for the plunger who raises the most money. Jan. 23 is the pre-registration deadline, but day-of registration is available on Feb. 2, the day of the event.

Special Olympics Missouri is funded mostly through donations, but the organization holds a few fundraisers throughout the year to supplement the funds.

"This has definitely been the most notable one," said Penny Williams of the Area Management Team. "People look forward to it."

She had people tell her last year they would be back this year to jump again. The 2008 event has already raised almost $5,000.

Special Olympics Missouri is a year-round program with several sports such as bowling, basketball, softball and soccer. The money helps pay for facilities, meals, travel expenses and hotel rooms.

"It takes quite a bit to fund the program for a year," Williams said.

Special Olympics Missouri has used Polar Bear Plunges as fundraisers for years. This year, online signups are available. Participants get a personalized Web site and can e-mail their friends to solicit donations.

"Special Olympics has done their homework on this one," Williams said.

The popularity of last year's event was somewhat surprising to her. One person paid the money to let her dog take the plunge with her.

"You wouldn't think that there would be people in Southeast Missouri that would be willing to do that for charity," Williams said. "But we had an overwhelming response."

Plungers get a sweatshirt to warm them up after going into the water and heated tents will also be available. For those a little more cold-natured, a $50 donation buys a "chicken shirt" with the slogan "I'll pay the cash, but I won't do the splash."

"This year I'm still going to wear the chicken shirt, but one of these years I'll don that sweatshirt," Williams said.

Special Olympics Missouri Southeast Area has 1,100 athletes from St. Francois County to the Bootheel who play sports year-round. It hosts programs for children and adults with mental disabilities, providing them with opportunities to develop physical fitness.

charris@semissourian.com

335-6611 extension 246

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