NW Missouri Times

Some students at Northwest Missouri State University will participate in the annual Colden Pond Plunge, organized by St. Jude Bearcats, later this month. The event is a fundraiser where nominated students collect donations to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Those who raise the most money earn the chance to jump into Colden Pond.

This year, the fundraising effort includes an opportunity for the campus community to support “celebrity jumpers.” If certain donation goals are met—$10,000 for University President Dr. Lance Tatum, $7,000 for basketball coaches Matt Keeley and Austin Meyer, and $6,000 for Senior Instructor of English Stancy Bond—these individuals will also take part in the plunge.

The event is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13 at Colden Pond.

Avery Baker, a senior majoring in applied health with a sports medicine emphasis and events director for St. Jude Bearcats, said: “Fundraising for St. Jude is so important because St. Jude not only fights to find a cure for childhood cancer but also ensures no family receives a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food while their child is receiving care. We as a community can come together to support this incredible organization to help continue St. Jude’s mission. We never know when someone we love could need St. Jude’s care.”

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was founded by entertainer Danny Thomas and operates as both a treatment center and research facility focused on pediatric cancer and other serious diseases in children. It relies almost entirely on private donations.

St. Jude Bearcats is affiliated with Up 'til Dawn, a national student-led philanthropy that supports patients at St. Jude through college-based fundraising efforts.

Jumping into Colden Pond outside of this event is not permitted; organizers work with Northwest Missouri State University and the Maryville Fire Department to ensure participant safety.