All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Brrrr! More scenes from Saturday’s Freezin’ for a Reason Special Olympics Polar Plunge

A group of Polar Plungers link arms as they brave the chilly water Saturday at the Riverwalk. / All photos by Katie Kuba

BUCKHANNON — The 2023 Freezin’ for a Reason Polar Plunge to benefit the Special Olympics of West Virginia raised nearly $17,000 through its event in Upshur County Feb. 11.

Alisa Lively, a board of directors member with the SOWV, said that as of Monday, the event had collected $16,846 in funds with several more donations anticipated.

Peter D’Avanzo dressed as Cupid won the costume contest in the individual category, while a team of Upshur County Schools bus drivers — including Amy White, Scott Presto, Jennifer Ervin, Andrea Lantz and Amanda Wingfield — picked up the prize for best costume in the group category.

Two awards were given out for the most money raised, and those went to James Friel ($3,500) and Alisa Lively ($3,270 and counting).

You can read more about the Special Olympics of W.Va. and its mission and fundraising efforts here.

Below are more scenes from Saturday’s Polar Plunge:

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