Chilly Cowboy auction and event to benefit Special Olympics Stillwater
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Media Contact: Mack Burke | Editorial Coordinator | 405-744-5540 | mack.burke_iv@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University First Cowboy Darren Shrum and softball student-athlete Chelsea Alexander are leading a fundraiser for Special Olympics through an auction and event called the Chilly Cowboy.
The goal is to raise $10,000 or more, and all funds will directly support local Special Olympics athletes and fund the state Special Olympics event that takes place in Stillwater.
The Chilly Cowboy event is at noon on March 7 at the OSU Student Union Plaza. OSU coaches, student-athletes and other leaders will take the Chilly Cowboy plunge into cold water depending on how much money is raised. For example, if the softball team raises $500, then softball student-athletes will jump into the water. If the team collects $1,000 or more, then head coach Kenny Gajewski would also take the jump.
If overall donations exceed $5,000, then Darren Shrum and OSU Athletic Director Chad Weiberg will jump. If donations exceed $10,000, then football coach Mike Gundy and men’s basketball coach Mike Boynton will jump along with OSU President Kayse Shrum.
“The past couple of months I’ve watched the Cowboy family rally together to help Chelsea make an event that is near and dear to her heart come to life,” Darren Shrum said. “I am so excited to see the support from OSU and the community of Stillwater for this event. We hope that this is only the start and plan to continue to grow the Chilly Cowboy for years to come to support the Special Olympics and open doors for more opportunities for the people with intellectual disabilities in our community.”
A live and online auction will take place March 5 in Gallagher-Iba Arena as part of the OSU men’s basketball game against Texas Tech. The online auction includes four baskets filled with various OSU athletics items and items from local businesses. The live auction will be during halftime of the game and will include a Gundy-signed helmet from this year’s Fiesta Bowl. To make a donation without purchasing an auction item, visit https://www.classy.org/campaign/chilly-cowboy/c386703.
“I believe this event is the perfect way for the OSU family to come together to support an organization that plays a fundamental role in our community,” Alexander said. “I’m excited to see how the community comes together to support a cause that means a lot to me. I’ve had the idea for this event for years now, and I can’t wait to see it finally come to fruition.”
