Plunging For A Cause

WAITSBURG - Don't let the hats fool you.

These ladies, all on the staff of the Waitsburg School District, aren't chicken. They'll be taking the Polar Plunge and will be "Freezing For A Reason" on Saturday, Jan. 22, after they dip into the Columbia River to raise money for Special Olympics.

WP track coach Joanna Lanning, special ed teacher Patty Hazelwood and paraprofessional Vickie Hamann will be sporting their onepieces at the dock of Columbia Park in Kennewick at noon as the Waitsburg "Plunging Poultry Team."

The plunge in Kennewick is one of six scheduled early this year. Others are in Redmond, Yakima, Seattle, Medical Lake and Wenatchee.

The mission of the Special Olympics Washington is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The organization provides athletes continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Olympic Athletes and the community.

Lanning has already raised $400 from pledges. Hazelwood and Hamann also hope to drum up backing for their own test of courage next week.

If you are interested in donating to the Special Olympics on their behalf, call Hamann at 509-629-0934 or email Hazelwood at phazelwood@ waitsburgsd.wednet.edu