Students to take the 'Plunge' for charity

By Alexa Wallick
Cardinal Staff

On March 19, students, faculty and residents of Winona are invited to shed their winter coats and boots to jump into icy Goodview Lake, located at Michael LaCanne Memorial Park, as part of the second annual Cardinal Plunge hosted by Saint Mary’s Future Alumni Committee (FAC).

According to Sarah McDonough, president of FAC and event co-coordinator, the Cardinal Plunge will raise money for the “Cardinal Plunge Student Emergency Fund.” The proceeds will go to Saint Mary’s students who encounter emergencies throughout the next year, she said, through an “open-ended, rolling application process.” Applications for the fund are available in the Alumni Office, located in the basement of Saint Mary’s Hall.

“FAC’s mission is to keep SMU traditions alive and spread awareness of new ones,” McDonough said. “It seemed natural that FAC would oversee and make this an annual event.”

According to McDonough, last year, the plunge raised approximately $3,000. Part of the proceeds went to junior Michael Mockler, who had been diagnosed with a brain tumor, while the rest of the money went to victims of the Haiti earthquake.

Taryn Wirkus, vice president of FAC and co-coordinator of the Plunge, said, “It is a great way to have fun, bond with your friends, make memories and most importantly, make a difference in the lives of fellow Saint Mary’s community members.”

Winona Dive and Rescue team and Winona EMT’s will help run the event. The cost to take the plunge is $10, and it will take place between 1-3 p.m. Each pre-registered participant will be guaranteed a “Cardinal Plunge” t-shirt designed by Steve Mino, senior graphic design major, and enjoy food and drinks provided by Chartwells.

To register, go online to http://www.smumn.edu/cardinalplunge or sign up the day of the event. To become a sponsor, make a donation or for additional information, contact Sarah McDonough at spmcdo07@smumn.edu or Taryn Wirkus at tkwirk07@smumn.edu.