Later today, the mayor, sheriff, fire chief and others will take part in an "unbearable" event that, if it wasn't for a good cause, might be considered crazy. It's definitely the type of thing your mother lectures against.
These participants will take a "plunge" in a cold hazmat shower outside, in temperatures expected to be in the 40s. They'll have no protective hazmat suits, but they might be wearing various costumes.
Jefferson City residents are invited to come watch the madness. Come see your elected officials and others get a frigid soaking. No need to pay for baseballs to throw at a dunking booth.
It's the first Power Hour Plunge, a kickoff to the 2018 Special Olympics Missouri campaign season. The event also serves as a forerunner to the Polar Plunge, in which participants plunge into sometimes icy water to raise money for SOMO. That event takes place in February.
The event takes place from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the corner of High and Madison streets, where participants will get soaked under a hazmat shower - a subtle but unique twist from the traditional pool or lake that other cities have used.
"We have embraced what SOMO is all about, and when we took this on, we thought about how we can make this event unique to Jefferson City," Mayor Carrie Tergin said. "This is a fun way to promote sportsmanship and support the athletes who work so hard."
Sheriff John Wheeler said SOMO is near and dear to his heart because his daughter has participated in the state games.
All funds raised will stay local, supporting athletes who participate in SOMO athletics year-round, Tergin said.
Each individual plunger is asked to raise $500 to participate in the event. Those interested can sign up the day of the event, pre-register online at somo.org/plungejeffcity or email SOMO plunge manager Kami Delameter at [email protected].
If you want to help out, but would rather not disobey your mother, consider donating to one of the plungers. SOMO is a deserving organization that uses sports to transform the lives of people with disabilities.