theadanews.com - Ada, Oklahoma

Local News

February 13, 2012

Ada cops to 'take a dive' for special kids

The Ada News

Ada — By Randy Mitchell

City Editor

ADA — Why would 10 seemingly normal Ada police officers jump in a pool of freezing cold water? For a good cause of course.

The officers will be risking life and limb to raise money for Special Olympics of Oklahoma by taking the “Pauls Valley Polar Plunge” in the city 35 miles west of Ada.

A Polar Plunge is a fundraising challenge made to an individual or group challenging them to dive into a cold body of water in order to raise money for Special Olympics. Each participant collects pledges from family, friends and businesses in the hopes of raising lots of money for Special Olympics, said Ada Police Officer Jason Potter, who is heading up the Ada Police Team.

“The Ada Police Department has 10 officers and one Pontotoc County Justice Center Officer that will be taking the Polar Plunge at Wacker Park in Pauls Valley March 3 at 10 a.m.” Potter said.

In the lead for the team is Mike Baker with $405 raised so far. Second is Kylor Pool followed by Kevin Hood, Jeremy O’Brien, Jason Potter, Richard Hubble, Phillip Wood, James Gastineau, Jason Mosley and last but no least is Michael O’Connor.

“Half of the money they raise goes to the state organization and the rest will be used to send area athletes to local and state competitions,” said Melinda Hubble, wife of Officer Richard Hubble who is one of the brave souls taking the plunge.

The Ada police team has raised $1,750.77 by online donations with a goal of $5,000.

“I am so excited to have this opportunity to support such a wonderful cause,” Richard Hubble said. “It is important to provide this great program to all who benefit from it so please help (us) by making your pledge today.”

Potter said residents interested in donating can do so at several locations in Ada including Busy B’s on Arlington, The Waterboy and Mississippi Madness on Mississippi, and Bates Electronics on east Main.

“People can go in and donate a minimum of one dollar, the place will put their name on a little polar bear icon and put it on a wall with donors on it,” Potter said. “There are many local businesses that are supporting us by being corporate sponsors. If there is a company that would like information on how to be a corporate sponsor, they can contact me, Sgt. Jason Potter, at the Ada Police Department.”

From the Ada area, there are teams from Ada Public Schools, Latta Public Schools and Fun Country Polar Plunge.

“We will be competing against each other, Pauls Valley Police Department, Garvin County Sheriff’s Office, and the public school systems for the most money raised and the best costume worn on the day of the event,” Potter said.

Online donations can be made by following the link at www.sook.org.

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