Fifty-five brave and enthusiastic people jumped into a 3,000-gallon container of cold water Saturday morning during the first-ever Jackalope Jump fundraiser in Powell.

The event raised nearly $7,500 for Wyoming Special Olympics.

“This is the first one,” said Angel Foster, a case manager with Bridges of Habilitation. “This is the first time Powell has had an adult (Special Olympics) team in decades.”

Foster said she headed up the committee that organized this year’s event, but her goal is to make sure it is strong enough to function for years to come.

“I love Special Olympics,” she said.

This year’s fundraising goal was $2,000, Foster said. But the total as of Monday morning was $7,449.18 — nearly four times that amount. Marion Morrison nearly made that goal on her own as she raked in $1,550 on her own, and was later awarded for raising the most donations as an individual.

“One team alone pulled in $2,001,” she said. That was Big Horn Enterprises, which won the award for the most money raised.

It takes some courage to jump into cold water outdoors in March. But Mother Nature was kind on Saturday, bringing temperatures into the high 60s for the event and holding off the wind until the last jumper had finished. Jumpers and audience alike were appreciative, and they showed it with smiles and enthusiasm.

Other participating teams were:

• Justice League

• Positive Paths

• Powell Protectors (Powell police) and the Newsies (Powell Tribune)

Annie McWilliams, who participated as an individual, won the award for best costume. She was dressed as a unicorn, and her shirt said, “Unicorns Are Real; Jumping For A Cause.”

Reece McLain, of Powell Protectors and the Newsies, won the award for best jump style. McLain fell forward into the water, landing flat with his arms out straight.

The award for largest group went to Justice League.

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