Penguin Plunge is Saturday

On Saturday, the penguins return to Whitefish Lake.

Penguins are the die-hard supporters of Montana Special Olympic athletes who demonstrate their devotion by plunging into Whitefish Lake during the Whitefish Winter Carnival.

Similar events are planned in other Montana cities.

In Whitefish, the event is mainly a function of local law-enforcement agencies who offer themselves up for the fund-raiser and recruit other people to jump in with them. Only those who raise at least $50 in pledges can take the plunge, which comes with "a bow tie, a cool Penguin Plunge Sweatshirt and something to tell your grandchildren if you survive," according to organizers.

Churches, business, and civic groups sponsor the event, with local rescuers donating equipment and services. Of the money raised, 40 percent goes to support the state Special Olympics training and competition and 50 percent stays in the Flathead.

Application forms are at First Interstate Bank in Whitefish, at all law-enforcement agencies and on the Special Olympics Montana Web site at www.somt.org.

About 100 people are expected to take the plunge this year at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at City Beach.

Organizer Michelle O'Neil said they include Miss Montana Amanda Kimmel and Miss Montana Teen Kendall Powell.

For more information, call O'Neil at the Kalispell Police Department at 758-7780.