Good Neighbors published Jan. 19, 2022

SPICER — The 17th annual Polar Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics Minnesota will begin at noon Saturday, Jan. 29, at Saulsbury Beach in Spicer. Registration and check-in will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, at the American Legion in Spicer. As of Jan. 14, the 104 registered plungers had raised $17,146 of the $35,000 goal for 2022. Register online at plungemn.org .

WILLMAR — The KCEO Gala will be from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, at the Willmar Conference Center. KCEO stands for Kandiyohi Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities and is a program for high school students to learn from local business owners what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur. There will be entertainment by Ava Hanson, silent auction items and a turkey dinner at the “Blast from the Past" 1980s-themed event. Tickets are $85 and available online at bit.ly/KCEO22 .

NEW LONDON — The New London-Spicer Area Fund awarded $18,800 in its recent grant round. Grants are awarded to programs in the northern Kandiyohi County area that support the focus areas of arts, healthy communities and lifestyles, environment, large-scale and sustainable initiatives, and special collaborations. The amounts awarded and program descriptions are as follows:

• Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, $5,000, to buy a freezer to help sustain the growth of senior meal programming in the New London-Spicer area.
• BIO Girls Inc., $1,800, for scholarships for adolescent New London-Spicer students to participate in self-esteem programming that combines life skills, mentoring and physical activity.
• Bethesda Foundation, $5,000, for the warm-water aquatic center at Bethesda North Pointe, to aid in the accessibility of wellness and therapy for seniors.
• Willmar Lakes Area Let’s Go Fishing, $2,000, to maintain and expand the unique water experience programming to students, seniors, veterans and disabled individuals.
• Crow River Players Inc., $2,500, to bring in various forms of live music dance lessons.
• Green Lake BMX, $2,500, to develop a new starting gate to enhance and improve the racing experience.

WILLMAR — Habitat for Humanity of West Central Minnesota ReStore accepts donations of building materials, large appliances, furniture and more. All donations must be approved by staff before acceptance. Donations can be brought to 2424 First Street South in Willmar between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, contact 320-235-9000 or www.habitatwcm.org .