Polar Bear Plunge Planned SaturdayLEESBURG - Whether it's 1 degree below freezing or 48 degrees above, there will be dozens of people plunging into Lake Tippecanoe Saturday.
Pie-Eyed Petey's, 70 EMS T17 Lane, Leesburg, will be hosting its first annual Polar Bear Club. All proceeds benefit the North Webster Community Food Pantry, headed by JB Routh.According to Pie-Eyed Petey's owner Barb Hamer, the restaurant/bar has been working in conjunction with the food pantry to make the Polar Bear Club happen. After the holidays, donations to food pantries tend to dry up, Hamer said, but the need is still there.
"It's just a plea for people to help us fill up the food bank. It's pretty low," said Hamer.
Pre-registration for the wintry plunge into Lake Tippecanoe has already had 29 people sign up. Registration can be done at Pie-Eyed Petey's weekdays after 11 a.m. On Saturday, registration begins at 11:30 a.m., with the Polar Bear Club going into the icy waters at 1 p.m.
To make sure everyone is safe, the Warsaw Dive Team will be on hand. For a donation to the North Webster food bank, plungers can drink hot cocoa and eat cookies afterward.
There is no cost to participate in the Polar Bear Club, but Pie-Eyed Petey's asks for participants to make a monetary or non-perishable food item donation. Spectators also may make donations.
The first 65 people who sign up for the Polar Bear Club will receive a free t-shirt.
Hamer said participants should wear old gym shoes and socks when they take the plunge into Lake Tippecanoe. They should also bring a towel and dry change of clothing for after they get out of the water. A warm place for people to change clothes will be provided.
Participants must be 18 years old to take the plunge. They also must sign a liability waiver.
Hamer said they will continue to have the Polar Bear Club every year. Proceeds will benefit a different charitable organization every year.
"One person can do a lot, but everyone should help. It keeps your community strong," said Hamer.
At Saturday's event, a limited number of Polar Bear Club sweatshirts will be sold for $40 each. Half of the proceeds will benefit the food bank.
The special of the day will be chili and grilled cheese to warm up Polar Bear Club participants.
Saturday night, Pie-Eyed Petey's will have karaoke at 8:30 p.m. with Wayne Van Curen to continue the festivities.
Anyone who can not make Saturday's event can leave monetary or non-perishable food items at Pie-Eyed Petey's as a donation for the North Webster Community Food Bank.
