Latest news with #PenguinPlunge
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
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. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri 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. Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy arrested for assault in Texas '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.' You can visit for more information or to . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Penguin Plunge ends with record donation
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) — Officials say a record donation was made after this year's Penguin Plunge in Central City. Police jumped into freezing water at the Central City Convention Center on Saturday. We're told the water was 34 degrees. All proceeds from the event will go toward the Backpack Program, which provides food to students when school is not in session. Officials say more than $3,100 was raised, marking the largest donation to the program. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Hampton plunge weekend kicked off Saturday; more than $178,000 donated to Special Olympics
More than 400 people ran into freezing water Saturday to kick off Hampton Beach's Penguin Plunge weekend.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Special Olympics Vermont Penguin Plunge underway this Saturday
BURLINGTON, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) – At Burlington's Waterfront Boat Launch this Saturday roughly 1,000 people will 'take the plunge' into Lake Champlain for a good cause. The Penguin Plunge raises around 40% of the Special Olympics Vermont's budget each year, according to their website. Donations are put towards athletic programs provided free-of-charge across the state. The main event will kick off at 11:00 a.m. with the Cool School Plunge followed by the Community Plunge at 12:00 p.m. A nearby Winter Village will have local vendors, food, and more for all to enjoy. Anyone can donate to Special Olympics Vermont, read more about the event and check out a full schedule on the Penguin Plunge webpage. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
