Get Ready To Take The Plunge!

WAITSBURG - Joanna Lanning is getting ready to take the plunge.

Last year, Lanning, and two Waitsburgers, Patty Hazelwood and Vicki Hamann, took a dip in the Columbia River to raise money for Special Olympics of Washington.

Lanning is the WP cross country coach, Hazelwood is a special education teacher and cheerleading coach Hamann is a paraprofessional at the high school.

Lanning raised $800 last year. This year her goal is $1,000.

"The majority of the funds stay right here," Lanning said of the money raised.

The money goes to support local athletic programs for children and adults with disabilities.

Lanning also volunteers as a track coach for Special Olympics when she can, she said.

She is looking for others in the community who would like to participate and for people to donate to her cause.

So far, she has raised more than $300.

As of money, according to the plunge's website, more than $10,000 has been raised for the Jan. 21 event.

About 200 plungers were registered as well as 35 teams.

The plunge takes place in Columbia Park in Kennewick.

The event is organized by law enforcement agencies and the plunge is held at different locations around Washington in cold winter months.

For those who want to participate, the registration fee is a $50 donation. For kids 12 and under, the fee is a $25 donation.

For those who want to help with the fundraising, but are too chicken to get in the water, there is a designated "chicken coop" at the event, where these fundraisers can cheer from the sidelines.

Those interested in joining Lanning and the other locals can email her at jorunner33@gmail.com.

Lanning hopes to have a meeting later this week to provide information to those interested. Email her for the time, date and place.