When I first got talked (read: conned) into doing this, I started with modest goals: I wanted to recruit three fellow plungers, and raise $150 for my jump.
I knew I could count on my family, friends, and Facebook acquaintances to get to my original goal. And true to them, they would have gotten me there if I hadn't had the bright idea to ask The Coli for support. Then things truly changed.
The new goal became $500. I thought I was really challenging everyone in getting there, but damn, y'all...we hit twice that.
ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS KENTUCKY!!!
Not only that, the contributions from fellow brehs and brehettes amped up things locally - you all had an immediate ripple effect. I work in one classroom of three in our department, and inspired a teacher to create a pizza party incentive for the top fundraising class. Goals were shattered this year, undoubtedly with some credit going to The Coli and its members:
Initial Fundraising Goals:
Team Goal - $1500 for the entire group - result:
we raised over 6,600 dollars
Group Members - 25 - result:
84 members
Actual Plungers - 16 - result:
29 (and since we were jumping in groups of 4, a courageous group of 3 gals jumped
again)
"This is the most money and the biggest team we've had since we've started."
(Quote links to a terrific writeup on the event, check it out if you can.)
And with such incredible records being made, everyone was energized and excited to be part of an event that everyone thought we were nuts for doing. I prepared and packed last night...knew I had to jump light - hat, shirt, pants, flip flops - less freezing clothes on me, less to yank off in the changing tent. Threw in a towel and a fresh pair of clothes with a pair of long johns and extra socks to warm up again quicker.
Barely got six hours of sleep, excited as hell, watching donations keep piling up...all despite having hit our goal while I was at school on Thursday. Got up, got ready. The drive to Waterfront Park was fast and smooth. My GF is a trooper - recovering from food poisoning, she was courageous enough to brave the weather and come out to support me. She was going to jump as well, but I wasn't going to let her test her courage any further.
Met up with the group, chatted, watched the spectacle - there were a few characters running around, and I'm not talking about the mascots that were advertising there. Krispy Kreme gave out free donuts, so I grabbed a couple (spoiler alert: I'm overweight). Then it comes time to get in line for the big jump. Some of us are braver than others:
We climb up, and get ready:
Then the pain begins:
Of course, I end up being last out. After a scramble to the heated changing tent, and after hearing about 20 "where is my dikk?" jokes (which made me laugh each and every time, I'm not a snob), I emerge warm and clothed. We all congratulate each other and say goodbyes, getting the heck out of dodge. Some of us move to Mall St. Matthews for a get together at the food court. I have some orange chicken, talk and reflect with everyone, even posing for one last pic:
Hell of an experience, made all the more special by the good minds and hearts of The Coli.
Thank you for supporting young adults with special needs. It meant the world to me.
