PORTAGE LAKES, Ohio — Ready. Set. Jump!
The time has come for the annual Portage Lakes Polar Bear Jump.c
In its 18th year, the annual event is hoping to raise $150,000 for the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.
“I was really scared the first time I jumped, but I’ve done it many times now; I’m used to it. It keeps me young!” said Dan Flowers, president and CEO of the Foodbank. “The community’s support of this unique fundraiser makes it possible for the Foodbank to continue to serve families facing hunger as our region rebounds from the pandemic. We are so grateful for our partnership with the Portage Lakes Polar Bear Club for the opportunity to jump together in support of local families in need!”
The cash donation will help the foodbank provide the equivalent of 600,000 meals to its network of 600 food pantries, hot meal sites, shelters and other hunger-relief programs within its eight-county service area.
The fundraiser is helping to curb the impacts of the covid-19 pandemic that stopped the Foodbanks hunger-relief efforts. As a safety precaution, jumpers will be staged in groups and spaced accordingly, if needed, to maintain social distance.
There are two different ways to get involved:
- Jump for the Foodbank
Visit portagelakespolarbearclub.com to register and download the jumper information packet.
- Sign up as a chicken.
Too chicken to jump, but want to support the Foodbank? Visit portagelakespolarbearclub.com and register as a Chicken. Collect donations for the Foodbank and Chilly Chicken will jump in the lake on your behalf.
“We invite all warm-hearted people willing to freeze their bodies to raise funds to help feed people and fight hunger in our community! Please join us!” said Flowers.
So far, big name business such as Ameriprise Financial - Pariso & Associates, Ayers Insurance and Cleveland Clinic Akron General have accepted the challenge and have signed up to jump.
Click here for more information on how to get involved with the Polar Bear Jump or call 330-535-6900.
*Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from previous report.