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February 16, 2012

Polar Bear Jump is a go

Organizer says nothing would ever stop the fundraiser

BY MICHELLE MILLER

STAFF WRITER

Not even Mother Nature has the power to spoil the Goodyear Lake Polar Bear fundraiser jump. Organizer Jamie Waters said nothing would ever stop the annual event from happening and festivities will take place this Saturday, ice or no ice.

This will mark the 17th year of the fundraiser, which helps children, individuals and organizations in need. Waters said he believes there will be enough ice to take 20 to 30 people out on it at a time. He said he has been out on the lake drilling holes.

“There is about six to seven  inches out there,” he said. “Temperaturesare expected to stay in the mid- 20s at night so even if there is some thaw in the day it should not affect the thickness of the ice too much.”

The plan is to limit the ice to the jumpers and have the spectators stand on top of the hill and watch,  according to Waters. He said worstcasescenario would be having a company (which has already agreed to do so) come in with a docking system.

“We have had years in the past, when we jumped on the other side of the lake, when the ice was thinner than this,” Waters said. “We have had to deal with February thaws before and we just adapted to it. We have never had to use a dock system.”

Waters said concessions will still be available to those in attendance and he hopes to have the year carved in ice like it was in the past. “That might be a challenge, but I am sure going to try,” he said. About 340 jumpers are signed up to take the ultimate plunge, which begins at 12:30 p.m.

“That number is down from last year, which was so wicked cold,” Waters said. “If we can get those people back then we know we have the real die-hards.”

Waters said jumpers really earned their sponsorship money last year because it was probably the coldest and most windy day in which the event has been held.

Waters’ wife, Brenda, who helps organize the event, said she believes people choose to take the ultimate plunge into icy water for several  reasons, but believes most do it tohelp children with illnesses and to be part of a community event. Brenda said the event raised about $82,000 last year. Money raised this year will go to seven children, Catskill Hospice, the Milford Fire Department and the Portlandville Methodist Church. The church will be sharing their donation with two adults.

“Once most do it, they are usually hooked,” Brenda said.

Caitlin Kennett, 26, said this will be her fourth year participating in the jump. Kennett, who lives in Oneonta, said when she lived in Maine she participated in a school-wide Polar Bear club while in high school.

“If you think Goodyear Lake is cold, you should try the lakes in Maine,” she said.

Kennett, raised $2,222 for the event last year making her the third highest individual fundraiser. She said she has already surpassed that number this year.

Kennett said she takes the plunge because she loves how it has such a significant impact on the community.

“Nearly every time I ask someone for a donation, they know someone - either a recipient, past recipient, or family member - who will benefit from our fundraising,” she said. “To date, no one has ever said no to donating, unless they are sponsoring another jumper. That’s an incredible feeling.”

“I do not see myself ending my involvement any time soon,” Kennett said. April Koren, 34, of Milford said she has been involved with the jump since the third year.

“I have jumped over a dozen times,” she said. “It is a crazy thing, and you feel numb when you jump in, but it’s all for a good cause.” Koren said she now does a lot of “behind-the-scenes action.”

“The main reason I am involved, besides helping the families in the communities, is meeting those families, and the presentation banquet,” Koren said. “The looks and joyful tears from the recipients and their families are priceless and heartfelt.” According to Koren, this year and last year has hit home more than ever.

“Last year my best friend from high school had a son who was a recipient,” she said. “We were able to give  him a handicap van so hemay venture out with his family. This just makes me tear up talking about it a year later.”

This year, two families who have been selected as recipients were former schoolmates of Koren, she said.

“David Kerr is a hero in more ways than one....a Marine, a father and a cancer fighter,” Koren said.

“Cadence Love is one of the strongest little girls I have ever met in my life. Her big bright eyes, her big smile and spunky attitude makes my heart melt.”

Koren said the children are the reason she continues to be involved and the friendships that evolve are “pure bonuses.”

For more information about the event, visit pjump.com.

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