February 6, 2022
By: Dwayne Page
Several chill-seekers took a plunge in the frigid waters of Center Hill Lake on a cold Saturday morning in support of the Friends of DeKalb Animal Shelter Organization to help raise close to $5,000.
The first ever “Plunge for Paws” event was held at Holmes Creek Road Lake Access near Redneck Beach and nine volunteers took the plunge as several other folks stood and watched from the boat launching ramp. Each participant either made a donation or had sponsors to help them raise money for the cause.
Emmaly Bennett, Director of the DeKalb Animal Shelter said “Plunge for Paws” was a great success and she thanked all the participants who were willing to brave the cold water including Smithville Mayor Josh Miller, Friends of President Cathy Bader, Shelter worker Maggie Turner, along with Riley Young, Crede Colgan, Tyler and Caroline Cantrell, Terry Phillips, and local minister Dwayne Cornelious.
“We had 4 jumpers who each raised over $1,000 including Mayor Josh Miller- $1,025, Caroline and Tyler Cantrell as a couple raised $1,050, Riley Young $1,000; and Dwayne Cornelius $1,040. With that and other donations it put us at around $5,000,” said Bennett.
“We want to say a huge thank you to all participants and the community who supported them. Our Friends of Organization will be utilizing these funds to spay/neuter community pets, reduce adoption fees for sponsored shelter residents and continue providing pet food for those in need in our county”.
“We look forward to next year’s Plunge,” said Bennett.