Brrrrr: Colden Plunge returns

According to current weather forecasts, the first glimmers of spring are scheduled to arrive in these parts within the next week or so.

But that may be cold comfort to Northwest Missouri State University students scheduled to take part in the annual Colden Pond Plunge at 2 p.m. Friday, when temperatures are expected to barely crack the freezing mark.

Sponsored by Up 'til Dawn, a national fundraiser for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., this year's plunge will give the campaign's five top student money-raisers the "privilege" of leaping into the cement reservoir located behind Colden Hall.

This year’s jumpers, along with their fundraising totals, are Kate Bridges ($1,412.93), Johnny Belfonte ($500.07), Makenzie Kroenke ($272.24), Lauren Hansen ($176.26) and Tassi Cook ($153.20).

As they have for the past several years, Up 'til Dawn volunteers asked members of the Northwest community to make donations on behalf of 18 plunge contenders. The 2013 drive brought in more than $3,000, well above last year's total.

Founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas, St. Jude opened in 1962 and is probably most noted for its work in treating children with cancer.

The hospital operates on private donations, and children are admitted regardless of their ability to pay.

The Plunge is one of several Up 'Till Dawn fundraisers conducted at Northwest each year, and in 2012 students raised a total of $17,000.

For more information about the Northwest campaign, email utd@nwmissouri.edu.