Fundraiser benefits Prairieland United Way campaign to raise $475,00 for local social services
By Ben Cox
Photos/Special to The Source
Each year, the Prairieland United Way campaign co-chairs are allowed to bring new ideas and events to the table in an effort to raise money for the annual campaign.
This year, co-chairs Ryne Turke and Daniel Hackett, went with something very seasonal by introducing a polar plunge.
For those uninitiated with the idea of a polar plunge, it is a essentially a fundraiser in which people jump into ice cold water in an effort to “win” by staying in the water for the longest amount of time. There were 17 participants, but they had an opportunity to avoid the freezing waters by raising money ahead of time.
The large crowd gathered inside K’s Creek with warm clothes and drinks while the plungers got to brave the cold tubs outside. Morgan County Commissioner candidate and retired Illinois State Police officer Greg Hacker as well as local author, online influencer and drone photography specialist Ryan Mason each held their own with over five minutes in the cold temperatures and frigid waters.
Hacker later said online, “Thank You Ryne [Turke], Karen Walker and everyone at Prairieland United Way for a great way to end the year! And thank you Ryan Mason for a great way to raise a little money in exchange for a little discomfort.”
The challenge raised over $16,000 toward the goal of $475,000 for the annual campaign. Now, following the nonprofit’s “The Price is United” fundraiser that took place on February 7, Prairieland United Way’s annual campaign has been fully funded.
