Inaugural splash made big impact

To the editor:

Splashin’ with a Passion: Peggy’s Plunge was held in memory of long time community volunteer Peggy Atkinson.

Peggy was the person behind the scenes that made things happen. She was always there in your time of need and she was there watching us from above with her great, big, beautiful smile and laughing as people took to the water. 

Thirty-six brave souls splashed in the freezing waters on Feb. 3 to help raise awareness and money for the United Way of Jay County. Thanks to these brave souls, over $11,000 was raised to help those in need in Jay County.

We are truly appreciative of the many sponsors who helped make the event a success: Matt Aker Memorial Fund, Pioneer Packaging, Tyson Foods, Display Craft, Loy Real Estate, Lutes Septic, TJ’s Concrete, 10-23 Mobile Detailing, Arm’s Auto Body, Chuck Denney family, Clear Chiropractic, FCC, Hole in the Wall, In Memory of Rog Durham, Jay Community Center, Jay County Chamber of Commerce, Jay County Development Corporation, Jay County Fair, KBL Transport, Moser Engineering, Patriot Fitness, Portland Insurance, Schoenlein Farms, Strohl Appliance, US Aggregates, Walmart and Williamson, Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home. These wonderful businesses and individuals helped offset the cost of the event and provided individual prizes for most money raised and best costume. We are forever grateful for your kindness. 

The biggest splash was made by the Portland Fire Department. Their help was incredible. Chief Mike Weitzel, Travis Theurer and Chuck Denney along with all the great firefighters of the Portland Fire Department made the splash happen and they ensured the safety of the splashers. To all of the volunteers who helped make this special event occur, thank you.

The United Way of Jay County impacts every person in Jay County from the local community centers in Bryant, Dunkirk, Pennville and Portland to Special Olympics, Jay County Cancer Society, Boys Scouts, Girl Scouts, Homeless Shelters and Humane Society. Any non-profit can apply for special grants.

The United Way supports disaster relief in our community. It is also only one of two organizations that can apply for matching funds from the Lilly Foundation. You can still donate online to the splash at unitedwayjaycounty.org through February. 

The first annual Peggy’s Plunge made a big impact on those in need. Thank you and hope to see you Splashin’ with a Passion next year. 

Cindy Denney 

Special events chair

United Way of Jay County