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Twenty-nine people raised $23,000 for the Luverne Area Community Foundation through the “Reezin’ for Freezin’ Luverne Leap.”
It started as an idea from Rock County Sheriff Evan Verbrugge who has participated in “Polar Plunge” fundraisers through his law enforcement affiliations.
Working with the LACF, he and organizers encouraged community members to support the cause and raise money ahead of Saturday’s “leap” into The Lake.
Luverne Area Chamber Director Jane Lanphere offered a thanks to organizers, leapers and fundraisers in her Chamber newsletter Monday morning.
“What an awesome turn-out and great participation,” she said. “All of you brave women, men and youth who jumped deserve a big round of applause and thanks. You are all amazing people and wonderful community leaders.”
With temperatures in the mid-30s and first responders standing by, costumed participants took turns jumping into frigid water near the shore of The Lake.
Ron Cote and Bruce Thalhuber announced names of each one as they approached the water’s edge, and two Luverne firefighters in insulated suits stood in the water to assist people to shore.
Participating leapers include Evan Verbrugge, Mike Davis, Dave Duffy, Pat Baustian, Jason Oye, Joel de Cesare, Tim Gust, Amanda and Cora McDonald, Brady Dinger, Pat Saum, Jeff Stratton, James Roby, Jody Reisch, Knute Oldre, Reece Carlson, Colby Crabtree, Eric Sage, McKenzie Rosales, Connie Morrison, Dustin Rodger, Stacy Mente, Lucas Peters, Jackie Johnson, Dylan Gehrke, Isaac DeBoer, Joshua and Emily Crabtree and Rick Peterson.
In addition to the “leapers” who raised money, 12 local businesses sponsored the venture, and volunteers included Mike Davis and his “Lake Crew” and TJ Renken at the event.