Copyright © 2006 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Cherokee Nation Marshal Danny Doolin joins with the rest of the marshals and several other officials from the area during a recent plunge into the cold waters of the Illinois River near Tahlequah. The event was held to raise money for Special Olympics.

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – The Cherokee Nation Marshal Service recently participated in the Polar Bear Plunge to raise money for the Special Olympics. Thirty-eight plungers braved the frigid waters of the Illinois River in support of the organization.

The Polar Bear Plunge, sponsored by the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service and Cherokee County Special Olympics, has become a tradition for the Marshal Service and Cherokee Nation. Each year the Marshal Service seeks out donations from family, friends and co-workers to benefit persons with development disabilities.

Previously, the Plunge has taken place in the Oklahoma City area. This was the first year the event was held locally. Special Olympics area representative Debbie Winburn feels confident the local Polar Bear Plunge will become an annual event.

“Law enforcement is a huge benefactor of the Special Olympics all over the nation,” said Winburn. “I’m proud to say Cherokee Nation Marshals are among the top fundraising groups in Oklahoma. The Polar Bear Plunge gets a lot of attention because it’s fun.”

This year’s Plunge raised a total of $4,153, with the Cherokee Nation Marshals leading the effort with $2,900 of the total.

According to Winburn, the money will help fund the area track meet on April 22 in Muskogee. Between 400-500 athletes are expected to compete on the local level.

For more information about the Special Olympics or to make a contribution, contact Winburn, phone: 918-684-3700 (ext.1641).

Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org