STILLWATER – After raising more than $30,000 for Special Olympics Oklahoma last year, the Chilly Cowboy returns this week. The event is spearheaded by former Oklahoma State softball standout Chelsea Alexander and First Cowboy Darren Shrum.

 

The goal is to raise $50,000 for Oklahoma State University’s Special Olympics Unified College Program and the upcoming Special Olympics Summer Games in Stillwater.

 

The Unified College Program connects OSU students and community members with intellectual disability through shared experiences. The Special Olympics Summer Games have long been a staple of the Stillwater Community.

 

There are four primary elements to the Chilly Cowboy – a website for donations, a text-to-give option, a live in-person auction and a polar plunge-style jump.

  • The website provides information about the event and a link for people to donate. It can be found at https://www.classy.org/campaign/chilly-cowboy-2023/c458055.
  • By texting OSU23 to 56651, people can make donations and be entered into a raffle to win a VIP on-field experience at a 2023 Cowboy football game.
  • The live auction is set for Saturday’s Oklahoma State men’s basketball game vs. TCU. Tipoff is at 1 p.m. The headline item is an autographed Detroit Lions Malcolm Rodriguez jersey.
  • The polar plunge-style jump by prominent OSU figures is scheduled for noon on Monday, February 6 at the OSU Student Union Plaza. Last year, University President Dr. Kayse Shrum joined several prominent OSU Athletics figures including coaches Mike Gundy and Mike Boynton, Athletic Director Chad Weiberg and student-athletes in taking the plunge. A similar turnout is expected next week.

 

The 2022 version of the Chilly Cowboy far exceed the original fundraising goal of $10,000 and Alexander said the hope is to do the same in 2023.

 

“We were blown away by the response to last year’s event and want to continue the momentum,” she said. “The Special Olympics has such a positive impact on our community and carries so much personal meaning to me and my family. The hope is to raise money to help Special Olympics continue to provide opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities."