Chilly plunge
Silver Creek Polar Bear Club raises moneyBy EMILY JETTER
Article Photos
SILVER CREEK - Polar Bears are native to the Arctic Ocean and have body characteristics that allow them to comfortably swim in the chilly water they reside near. However, human beings are not as well prepared to take a dip in the icy conditions that the month of January provides.
At 1 p.m. on Sunday the eighth annual Silver Creek Polar Bear swim took place at the Fireman's Club in Silver Creek. Polar Bear Clubs have been around for more than 100 years and exist in America and Canada. They have become popular for their annual winter event that includes swimming in freezing water. The Silver Creek event was organized by co-chairs Judi Kelly and Pamela Forge.
"We moved it this year to a bigger location here at the firehouse on the lake because we ran out of space the last few years and just realized it was getting more congested and this new location is just perfect for what we needed," Forge said. "This is a volunteer organization as well, the people who run this private club, so it's nice that all the money generated today will go back to the community and the charities."
This year the money raised by the swim is being donated to the Women and Children's Hospital, Variety Kids Telethon, Silver Creek Food Pantry, the Sunset Bay Fire Department and the Silver Creek Emergency Squad. Merritt Estate Winery was at the event to help raise money by handing out free samples of wine, including their new Bella Ice and Mereo, a hot wine to help warm the swimmers after their plunge into the cold lake.
"Merritt Winery has been involved for many years and it's just Merritt's way of being involved in the community," said Anita Brown, Merritt Estate's special projects coordinator. "It is a very well attended event and we feel like since we are a part of the area, we want to help and contribute."
Prior to the swim a gathering was held at the Fireman's Club, which included a chili cook off, a Chinese Auction, and food and drinks, with all proceeds going toward the charities. A record amount of 17 chili's were entered into the cook off. First place went to Richard Smith of the Firehouse on the Lake, second place was awarded to Scott of Shorewood Country Club and there was a tie for third between Terry of Knights of Columbus in Hamburg and Ellie's Deli of Silver Creek.
Many people came to the event dressed in creative and festive attire. Co-chair Kelly, who has participated in the swim every year, wore polar bear pajamas; others dressed as the cavemen from the Geico commercials and three friends extended the holiday spirit by dressing up as Santa Claus.
"I've done it many years. My favorite part about it is all the fun, getting everybody together for charity, it's awesome," said Brian Deck, one of the Polar Bear swimmers disguised as Santa.
The Fireman's Club was full of participants and those curious to witness the brave event. The sun was out, yet the temperature was frigid making it not an idle day for a relaxing swim. The Sunset Bay and Silver Creek fire departments went into the water dressed in waterproof jump suits to break up the ice prior to the polar bear participants.
When it was time for the swim many huddled together, excited and slightly nervous before running into the frozen lake. Some jumped in and ran right out, while others basked in the glory of their accomplishment for as long as they could bear.
There were 72 people who signed up for the Polar Bear swim, raising $6400 in pledges alone. Jeff Majtyka of Hamburg brought in the most pledges with over $1000, while also bringing a busload of friends from the Buffalo Rod and Gun Club to participate. Over $500 in pledges was donated from another busload of swimmers and observers who came from the Eden 39rs.
"There are so many people to thank that it blows me away," said Forge. "We have some of the best volunteers that make this event such a success - from the black jack dealers, Chinese Auction crew, the gals that served food and all the staff and members of the Firehouse on the Lake, we couldn't ask for better people that really care about the charities that benefited from this day."
There was an energy that was present throughout the entire event, which was partly due to the fact that what was occurring was slightly illogical and daring, but mostly because the event was for charity. Forge is hopeful that they reached their goal of raising $10,000 in total. The Polar Bear swim for next year is already being planned and will take place Jan. 10, 2010.
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ciecie
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01-13-09 7:06 AM
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they raised money for very good causes.
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cruisin
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01-12-09 12:44 PM
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The event made the morning TV news in Honolulu today. Brrrrrr.....Aloha!
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