Press Release
“Get Revvin’ for ’11!”
It is time to think “Polar,” as in “Plunge.”
The Fort Frances Voyageur Lions are getting ready for their annual dip in the lake on New Year’s Day. And we have some eager people ready to take the plunge for dollars.
The Muskie Sports Association already has issued a challenge to its athletes. It is planning to double the number of jumpers and raise the most funds by a group.
They will win a $300 bonus if they can do it.
Other groups in the hunt are the Fort Frances Aquanauts, the Sunset Country Squash Club, Dancemakers, the FFHS art students (headed by sometime ice fisherman Owen Johnston), and the youth group from St Mary’s Catholic Church.
As well, the local Atom ‘AA’ hockey team plans to jump on behalf of the “Kidsport” chapter here.
New this year will see jumpers for the Emo and District Lions Club challenge those from the Voyageur Lions Club.
The club with the greatest average of funds raised per jumper will win a dinner served by the losing club.
Longtime Voyageur Lions “plungers” include Bill Michl, Dale Gill, and Jim Martindale. Emo has a mystery jumper at the moment!
As well, the usual assortment of individuals with dubious mental faculties will assemble for the annual leap into the lake.
Maureen Hahkala is sure to surprise with another great costume while Coun. Andrew Hallikas also is considering another New Year’s refresher.
Others are expected to emerge from the snowdrifts as we get closer to the date.
Ever optimistic, the Voyageurs are looking for 75 jumpers this year. It could get a little crowded on the ice!
Once again the challenge is to beat the take from 2010. Last year, 59 jumpers raised close to $14,000.
Can we make $20,000 this year?
This annual fundraiser is a partnership with any youth-oriented, non-profit organization or group that wants to put its members into the lake.
Half the net proceeds raised by member jumpers will go back to the group.
Every participant receives a T-shirt and there also will be prizes for best costumes.
For those who want to brave the frigid waters of Sand Bay on Jan. 1, pick up pledge sheets at Edward Jones’ Scott Street office or at La Place Rendez-Vous.
Packages for groups also are available by calling event chairman Jim Martindale at 274-7829.
Groups are reminded to submit preliminary information by Dec. 20 to facilitate the organization of groups on the actual day of the “Polar Plunge,” and also so that names of groups can be used in promotion, both for the group to collect pledges and for the Voyageur Lions to challenge others.
