KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — On Saturday, Feb. 22, more than 50 plungers, chickens and supporters gathered for the 2025 Lake County Special Olympics annual Polar Plunge at the Buckingham Homeowners Association Clubhouse.

Funds raised at this annual plunge party support the local volunteer Special Olympics program in the purchase of training equipment, uniforms and transportation costs to attend competitions throughout Northern California.

Lake County Special Olympics currently offers six sports which include basketball, track and field, bocce, golf, softball and soccer.

This year over $18,576 has been raised and Special Olympics has reached its goal of supporting the program for the entire year.

This was the 14th year Lake County Special Olympics has participated in the Northern California Polar Plunge for Special Olympics.

In each of those years, Lake County Special Olympics has been fortunate to have the support of the Kelseyville Lions Club for the after-plunge luncheon and the Kelseyville Fire Department for EMT services to keep our plungers safe. Riviera Foods provided lunch supplies and Debbie Bridges provided our luncheon sweets.

Plungers raising money were supported by many individuals, including sizable donations from the Lakeshore Lions Club, Blue Angels Gas & Food in Clearlake, Clearlake Police Officers Association, Clearlake Police Department, Antique & Classic Boat Club and Profitt Construction.

This fun and enjoyable event is a plunge with a twist. Plungers and teams are encouraged to dress in costume and plunge. Those not able to or brave enough to take the plunge can still join the party as a designated “chicken” and hang out in our very own chicken coop.

Awards were presented included top fundraiser Halena Smalley; top athlete team fundraiser, Saderlund Splashers; top law enforcement fundraiser, Lake County Probation Department; top schools fundraiser, Lake County Office of Education; top community team fundraiser, Lakeport Elks~Lakeport Kiwanis~Early Lake Lions; and top health services team, Lake County Behavioral Health Services.

The best costume winner was John Lahti Jr. and the best team costume went to Team Raccoon, the Lake County Behavioral Health Services Department.

Many thanks to everyone that helped with organizing, set up and take down for the event, including Mary Lahti, Tammy Rund, Robert Saderlund, Eric Saderlund, John Lahti Sr., John Lahti Jr., Buckingham Homeowners Association and the spontaneous volunteers that helped.

Our sincere appreciation to all that donated to your favorite plunger and all those helping bring this event together. We look forward to seeing you all again next year.

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Cathy Saderlund is volunteer area director for Lake County Special Olympics.