'Take the Plunge' Shocks, Awes and Reminds Participants the Reality of Domestic Violence

Under overcast and drizzly skies Saturday morning, between 30 to 40 people braved the chilly waters of Lake Tapps to literally 'Take the Plunge.'

"The plunge is to support Exodus Housing and the work we do to support families impacted by domestic violence," executive director Joe O'Neil told the gathering during his welcome.

Exodus Housing helps set up help families displaced due to domestic violence by finding them homes and help them get their lives together and move toward independence.

"Our goal is they never have to leave that house," O'Neill continued. "Once they get in that house, they bring up their income and they can stay there. The funding that we have from you today is going to help that cause."

Of the plunge, "This is what we call a shock and awe event. Everybody who has been impacted by domestic violence never knows when they're going to be in pain and suffering, so when you jump into that water, you're going to get a taste of what that's like to be in shock and awe and pain and suffering."

This is the third year the event has taken place, and for Brett Delorm, of Sumner, the cold air actually helped to damped the shock of jumping in the water, he said afterwards.

Delorm said his ex-wife works at Exodus and that was why he takes part every year.

"It wasn't as bad as I thought," agreed Monica Beard, also an employee at Exodus. "My mother and my aunt sponsored me. And I had to since I work there, but it's for a great cause."

Bonney Lake Police Chief Dana Powers also took the plunge - this was her second year. As a law enforcement official, she said that domestic violence crosses all lines in every community. Men are also victims of domestic violence though the majority are women. She's happy to take part in the event each year. "It's great to have this to have awareness," Powers said. "Exodus gives people a place to start."