January 28, 2010
Local Organizations Take A Dive At Lansing Polar Plunge

Action from Lansing's Polar Plunge

By Jenna Rummer
At the first Polar Plunge of 2010 Tom "Dewey" Bramson took the plunge as part of the Responsible Hospitality Council team.

Bramson has been active in the plunge for four years. His first involvement with Polar Plunge came when one of his vendors asked him to participate one year. After that, it became a tradition. Last year he got the RHC to participate and recruited about 70 jumpers. This year Dewey and the RHC raised over $15,000 at the Polar Plunge. MORE

Parents Of Lansing Athletes Plunge For Special Olympics
By Jenna Rummer
Among the braved participants who jumped into the frigid water at the Lansing Polar Plunge on Sunday, January 24, was Jeff “J-bird” Cole. Jeff plunged for one very important reason: his daughter was one of the first participants to plunge at the first Polar Plunge of 2010. This year marked Jeff’s sixth consecutive plunge!

Jeff has special ties with Special Olympics Michigan because his 20-year old daughter Jenna is an athlete who has been involved with Special Olympics Michigan for 12 years. She competes in swimming and gymnastics at the State Summer Games. She has also participated in the State Winter Games. MORE

Wertz Warriors Prepare to take the Ride of their Lives
By Mallorie Stiger
On January 31 the Wertz Warriors set out on their 900- mile, seven day journey from Mt. Clemens to Petoskey. In 2009 the Wertz Warriors and Special Olympics Michigan lost a great friend and supporter, Mark "The Bird" Fidrych. In celebration of his life, the 2010 State Winter Games are dedicated him. MORE

Get Ready and Get Excited for the 2010 State Winter Games!
By Mallorie Stiger
The time is fast approaching for the 2010 State Winter Games on February 2-5. In remembrance of a great man who was near and dear to the hearts of Special Olympics Michigan and the Wertz Warriors, this year's State Winter Games will have a baseball theme dedicated to Mark "The Bird" Fidrych. Mark was an awesome addition to the Special Olympics family. Since 1993, he helped raise millions of dollars during his partnership with the Wertz Warriors, serving as their spokesperson. MORE

SOMI Wish List & Wishes Granted
Wish List

• New Fax Machine
• Portable copy machine to take to tournaments

Wishes Granted

• Thank you to Leelanau County Sheriff Mike Oltersdorf for providing metal whistles!
• Thank you to Jeff & Anne Bidelman who made a donation on behalf of their son, Joshua Bidelman Area 24 Special Olympics athlete, for Special Olympics Michigan to purchase much needed stop watches!

ONE PLUNGE DOWN, EIGHTEEN MORE TO GO
By Thomas Tibai
All around Michigan, volunteers can take the plunge this winter season. With 18 Polar Plunge sites remaining, residents across Michigan can help raise money for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in a fun and crazy way. MORE

TOP INDIVIDUAL PLUNGE FUNDRAISERS

Paul Stewart - Plunging in Lansing
$3,634

Robert Babcock- Plunging in Cheboygan 
$2,860

Doug Kinnan - Plunging in Detroit
$2,650

Dan Graf - Plunging in Detroit
$2,470

Terry Cramer - Plunging in Detroit
$2,440

TOP TEAM PLUNGE FUNDRAISERS

Crunchy's (RHC) - Lansing
$7,769

Amerisure - Detroit
$5,855

Real Estate One - Detroit
$3,834

Rum Chums (Mid-Michigan Parrot Head Club) - Lansing
$3,181

Chilly Willy's (Q106) - Lansing
$2,775


PLUNGE DATES

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