08-03-2025
Happy Hearts Working lake plunge raises money for adults with disabilites
BONNER SPRINGS, Kan. — Although spring is rapidly approaching, it is not exactly swimming season — that is, unless it's for a really great cause.
The 37-degree water at Lake of the Forest in Bonner Springs didn't stop dozens of people from taking a Penguin Plunge to raise money for Happy Hearts Working on Saturday morning.
The organization gives adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities an opportunity to work or volunteer in the community.
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There are nine adults in the program and each of them works at local businesses and schools, including The Glass Cat Restaurant in Bonner Springs.
The work doesn't just offer them a paycheck, though. It also gives them a real sense of purpose.
'It's important because they feel like they have a purposeful life,' said Carol Farnsworth, founder of Happy Hearts Working.
'They can live purposefully and inclusively within the community, just like a typical adult, just like all of us. Isn't that what we all strive for?'
Speaking of 'striving' for something, one of Happy Hearts' associates, Ryan Riedesel, told FOX4 that the organization has given him a number of opportunities through his new job at Joe's Kansas City BBQ. This includes, of course, eating some delicious food and being able to save for a car.
Happy Hearts Working started in 2019, and Saturday morning's Penguin Plunge is helping the organization raise money for a new semi-independent living facility in Bonner Springs.
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'Some of our clients will have an opportunity to live independently; to really be a part of the community, and to be able to do the same thing that their peers do, and that's really important to them,' Happy Hearts supervisor Mary Miller said.
'Living in [Bonner Springs], we have a wonderful transportation system,' she continued. 'They'll be able to utilize that transportation system, get to work possibly, be a part of the downtown community, and we're just very excited.'
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