ML students taking plunge for Special Olympics

By CARA LORELLO

Staff Reporter

Hallett Elementary School student Jayln Musser, 10, of Medical Lake hopes to raise as much money as possible this month for the Special Olympics of Washington with the help of a team of classmates who'll take the plunge next Saturday as part of the Police Department's annual Polar Bear Plunge.

The plunge requires participants jump into Medical Lake, in swimsuits or costumes, in the dead of winter for a good cause, supporting Special Olympics. Musser summed up last year's experience in one word: “Cold!”

But a few moments freezing is worth it, he added, considering what it's all for.

“First of all, I think that the Polar Bear Plunge is a great fundraiser,” Musser said. “Also, afterwards it feels really good to donate to the Special Olympics.”

Musser recently formed a seven-member team of friends, who call themselves the Otter Pop Stars, “So we can just donate more money, and because it's fun too,” he said.

This is Musser's second time participating in the plunge, which last year won him the prize for the most money raised by a youth plunger, and for being the youngest plunger out of a group of over 70.

Named after the popular Popsicle treats, the Otter Pop Stars include Musser, Alex Neder, Dallas Dewey, Cory Wagner, Ellie and Emma Davis and Cassidy Hillabrandt. Each member plans to come dressed as a different pop flavor. As a team, they hope to enter for a chance to win in the top fundraiser plunger group, and a few costume categories as well.

To promote their cause, the team was featured last Wednesday on channel 6's KHQ News show, during which the Otter Pop Stars were asked which news anchor they'd like to see take the plunge.

“George (Maupin)!!!” was their answer. No word yet on whether Maupin will make an appearance, however KHQ anchors are in a contest to see who can raise the most money for the event, interim Fire Chief Bryan Musser, Jayln's father, said.

With Waterfront Park's lakefront being completely frozen this time of year, Chief Musser and firefighters from Medical Lake Fire Department plan to spend about 80 total hours a few days before next Saturday cutting through about 14 inches of ice.

“We cut from the shore until the water is waist deep and 40 feet wide,” Chief Musser said. It's not as cold as it was last year, fortunately, he added, which means firefighters—who'll stay on hand the day of the plunge for safety purposes—have less ice to cut through.

Musser managed to get just under $300 in donations last year from family and friends overnight. With the help of his teammates, Musser said he's collected around $1,300 so far. This year, many contributions came from teammates' teachers, and a few local businesses.

Check-in for the Polar Bear Plunge is 10 a.m. on Feb. 28, with a costume judging at 11:30 a.m. before the first group takes the plunge at noon.

According to a Medical Lake Police Department press release, this year's plungers will receive a number of incentive prizes including money and plunge-themesgifts. Special prizes will go to top fundraising adults, youth, SOWA athletes, group, school and public safety agency and individual. Contest categories will include the wackiest and best team and polar themed costumes, and awards for the oldest and youngest plunger.

More information on the event is available by contacting event organizer, Jennifer Willoughby at MLPD at 565-5003, or Linda Safford at 252-5003.

The department's first Polar Bear Plunge in 2007 raised $6,842.77 for the Special Olympics and had an estimated 49 participants. Last year, participation grew and donations more than tripled to $20,708 from community contributions. Officers from Airway Heights and Spokane police departments, including SPD Chief Anne Kirkpatrick, were among plunge participants.

Cara Lorello can be reached at [email protected]