GWINN, Mich. (WZMQ) – The UP community gathered this weekend to raise funds for The Special Olympics of Michigan. The Marquette Polar Plunge took place Saturday afternoon.
The special Olympics is Michigan’s largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities. This weekend polar plunge raised money to help with costs of equipment, attire, and health supplies that can help families and athletes in Michigan, and around the world. On Saturday, participants took the plunge, made donations, dressed up and jumped into a green St. Patty’s Day pool to bring awareness to the cause.
This weekend, The Marquette Polar Plunge had a goal of raising $16,000 in support of Special Olympics. Participants could either jump for pledges, or opt out of jumping with a $20 donation.
It was cold and wintry afternoon in Gwinn at The UP North Lodge for the plunge, but there were still plenty of participants ready to take the jump. With over 100 people in attendance, The Marquette plunge surpassed expectations and raised over $30,000 for The special Olympics of Michigan.
The plunge broke a record this weekend with $36,000. The polar plunge has raised $1.6 million in total with 25 plunges for The Special Olympics in Michigan.
