Cardinal Plunge raises $1,600 for local family

Before taking the plunge, some participants were a little hesitant.

But they knew they were freezin' for a reason!

This year's beneficiaries, the Ellinghuysen family

Approximately 25 Saint Mary’s University students braved the icy water during the fifth annual “Cardinal Plunge,” held Feb. 8 in conjunction with the Winter Carnival Goose Bump Jump in Lake Winona.

This year, about $1,600 was raised for SMU junior Conner Ellinghuysen’s father, Robert Ellinghuysen of Winona. Robert was hit head-on in a traffic accident in June 2012 along Highway 14 in Stockton. He underwent numerous surgeries and lengthy hospital stays. Proceeds will help the Ellinghuysen family with ongoing medical expenses and other family needs.

The event was sponsored by the Saint Mary’s Future Alumni Committee. To see pictures of the event, go to www.smumn.edu/photos.