‘Polar bears’ brave icy waters to raise money for schools’ Bulldog Foundation
The Bulldog Foundation raised $2,000 with a fund-raiser last weekend starring some cold weather warriors.
The Polar Bear Plunge offered the opportunity to jump in the pond behind the Carpenters Local 351 Union Hall on Bass Pro Boulevard, in exchange for a $30 donation to the foundation.
“A lot of people were a little apprehensive about doing it, but everyone seemed to have a great time,” said Doug Miller, president of the Bulldog Foundation.
“We probably had just as many spectators as participants. It was a great community event. The family of one of the plungers was even transmitting live video to family in Hawaii.”
Mayor Neil MacKinnon III started the event with a back flip off the dock, and Mr. Miller was second in the water doing the “Nestea plunge.”
“When I got out, I told several people, don’t try to talk because you won’t be able to–the water literally took your breath away!”
Police Chief Todd Kitzler, who organized the fund-raiser, was pleased with the turnout.
“It went great for the first year–and we had twice that many watching,” he said. “It brought people together for something positive.”
The Rossford Fire Department cut a hole in the ice the day before the event, and Chief Josh Drouard estimated the water temperature was about 32 degrees.
Firefighter/paramedic Patrick Yoder and firefighter/ EMTs Miranda Sattler, Ben Yoder and Alayna Kitzler were on the dock and in the water to help participants.
Their assistance was part of the department’s cold weather rescue training. Additional emergency personnel from Rossford, Lake Township and Perrysburg Township also were at the site.
Among the participants were school board members Tiffany Densic and Kent Murphree, Rossford Junior High assistant principal Bryan Skrzyniecki and Rossford City
Councilman Greg Marquette. Clockwise, from top left, are: Chief Kitzler, Mayor Neil MacKinnon III doing the back flip, State Representative Haraz Ghanbari, and Mr. Miller being “pushed” by a firefighter.
Polar bear Bailee Self won the $100 door prize drawing and donated half of it back to the foundation.
“We were happy with the turnout of about 50 people participating, but are looking forward to building upon that number next year,” Mr. Miller added.
The non-profit Bulldog Foundation promotes efforts to improve academic excellence for Rossford School District students, including teacher grants.