Tri-Citians prepare to plunge

For the last month or so, Teresa Payne has been passing around a donation jar at her favorite Richland bar for a good cause.

The Richland woman hopes to use the money raised at the Whiskey River Bar & Grill to brave the icy Columbia River this weekend with hundreds of other Tri-Citians for the 10th annual Polar Plunge.

The fundraiser Saturday for Special Olympics of Washington will be held at the blue bridge boat launch in Columbia Park in Kennewick.

It will be the first time Payne, 53, has has made the leap into the bone-chilling waters. However, she knows what’s coming.

“I expect it to be cold,” she said. “I’m hoping there will divers down there to help me out after I jump.”

The event has already raised more than $30,000 of the $50,000 goal. The top fundraiser, Allison Campbell, has brought in more than $2,200.

Donations will be accepted for the next few months and can be made online at www.tricitiesplunge2016.kintera.org.

The Polar Plunge — one of several around the state — is organized by law enforcement officials. Kennewick Officer Shirrell Veitenheimer will kick off this year’s festivities with a plunge at 2 p.m. Jan. 15.

People can jump solo or on a team for $50. Registration is still open online at www.PolarPlungeWA.org or at Columbia Park on Saturday starting at 9 a.m.

There will also be a chance to register Jan. 15 at the Kennewick Fred Meyer between 4 and 7 p.m. Those who sign up at the store will receive a free towel.

The Tri-Cities Polar Plunge website encourages “anyone with a little courage, a warm heart, and a desire to support a worthy cause” to make the jump.

Check-in at Columbia Park is from 9 to 11 a.m. A costume contest will follow from 11:15 to 11:30 a.m., with people taking to the river shortly after.

There will be hot tubs near the river for people to warm up in after they jump.

Jumpers are encouraged to wear shoes and pack a change of clothes and towel. Changing rooms are available on site.

This story was originally published January 14, 2016 at 6:53 PM with the headline "Tri-Citians prepare to plunge."