By AMBER DILLEY
GLASGOW — More than 30 people gathered together to take the plunge for a good cause Saturday at the Kentucky National Guard Armory in Glasgow.
On a cold, very windy morning, some dressed up in crazy costumes, others in their regular uniforms, and voluntarily jumped into a pool of freezing water to raise money during the third annual Penguin Plunge for Junior Achievement of Glasgow-Barren County.
Kelly McKay with 103.7 and Bobby Rambo from 105.3 emceed the event and also handed out prizes for best costume, largest group, most money raised for Junior Achievement and oldest participant.
The East Barren Volunteer Fire Department received a plaque and some plungers for having the most members present to jump, Leigh Ann Strode won for raising the most money, $600, and Steve Riley, with the Barren County School District, won for being the oldest participant.
Freddie Joe Wilkerson, with Glasgow Kiwanis, won the best costume and crowd favorite award.
Wilkerson donned his Elvis costume and entertained the crowd before jumping.
“It’s such a good cause,” Wilkerson said before he jumped. “I’m happy to be Elvis for a day to benefit the kids.”
The Barren County Sheriff’s Department also won a handful of leis for being the largest group of law enforcement jumping.
“We do appreciate all of your participation today and we thank everything you have all done for Junior Achievement both through volunteering and time spent for financial support,” Rambo told the audience. “You have helped over 12,000 students in southcentral Kentucky, here in Barren, Hart and Warren county.”
The event this year had raised more than $4,000 by the end of the jumping session, according to Rambo.
“Participants have to raise a minimum of $50 in donations to jump in the pool,” said Gina Lyon, co-chair of the event.
Last year’s event raised more than $7,000 for the organization, according to Lyon.
The event also offered door prizes and BB&T; Bank served free hot chocolate to the participants.
Junior Achievement is an educational organization that focuses on business, citizenship, economics, entrepreneurship, ethics and character, financial literacy and career development, according to the organizations Web site.
For the 2008-09 school year, Junior Achievement of Glasgow-Barren County serves more than 2,500 students.
For more information about Junior Achievement, visit www.jaforkids.com.
