Volunteers take a chilly plunge to benefit Special Olympics – The Advocate

Wrapped inside a pink flamingo inner tube, Brandy Carroll, from Maurepas, was ready to brave the foggy, 61-degree weather to jump into the pond at Cabelas.

Alongside Carroll was her daughter, Josie, wearing a doughnut-shaped inner tube.

We used to do fundraising while Josie played softball in high school, Carroll said. She graduated, but we wanted to continue helping others. This is something everybody enjoys watching, and its something different.

Carroll and other jumpers helped raise money for the Special Olympics in the Freezin For a Reason ninth annual Polar Plunge.

Special Olympics Louisiana is a statewide organization that promotes understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities.

More than 200 jumpers registered to plunge. The cost to jump was $50 a person.

The event also included a silent auction, raffle and food.

Last year, the event raised $90,000, while this years goal was $100,000, according to Casey Minton, director of communications for Special Olympics Louisiana.

The event brought out jumpers from many law enforcement agencies, including the Ascension Parish Sheriffs Office, Galvez Volunteer Fire Department and the Baton Rouge Police Department.

Its very interesting that people in Louisiana think its too cold here to plunge, said Pat Carpenter, president and CEO of Special Olympics of Louisiana. But, there are those who brave the cold for Special Olympics. They usually do it for two reasons. Their friends challenged them, and its a crazy way to have a great time while helping out the Special Olympics.

We have school groups, church groups and of course, law enforcement participating, Carpenter added. Law enforcement have been big supporters because they realize they are helping the athletes become more empowered. Through their involvement, they are teaching people without disabilities to accept those with disabilities.

Lt. Col. Ward Webb, of the Ascension Parish Sheriffs Office, dressed in a Captain America costume. Webb is one of the biggest fundraisers for the plunge and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Webb focuses on fundraising in the Ascension area.

This gives me a lot of satisfaction knowing we are helping others, Webb said. Its a real pleasure and joy.

There were those outside of law enforcement who also raised money and jumped into the pond, including the St. Amant High Student Council.

Also taking the plunge was Lydia Roberts, a longtime participant and a Special Olympics athlete who jumped into the cold water after a bit of coaxing from her mermaid-costumed team called Lydias Sea of Acceptance.

We are helping to raise money because all of our lives have been affected positively by Lydia, said Anna Robertson, 19, a member of Lydias Sea of Acceptance.

Wearing a sparkling top and a tulle mermaid tail, Robertson said before the jump it was her first year and she was scared.

After the jump, Robertson admitted, It wasnt horrible, but it was cold. I would definitely do it again. Its worth it.

Carroll, who wore matching flower hats with her daughter, Josie, said the jump was not as bad as I thought it would be.

Josie Carroll disagreed.

It was worse than I thought it would be, Carroll said. Im freezing.

But mom and daughter both said they would do it again given the chance.

Special Olympics Louisiana offers year-round programs for over 14,830 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in all 64 parishes with 15,000 volunteers.

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Volunteers take a chilly plunge to benefit Special Olympics - The Advocate