President & CEO of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, Dan Flowers, has challenged community leaders and businesses to participate in the 14th annual Portage Lakes Polar Bear Jump on February 18, 2017. Flowers will be jumping into the frigid waters of Portage Lakes during the Polar Bear Jump benefiting the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.
“Each day, the Foodbank is distributing approximately 110,000 pounds of food to its network of partner hunger-relief programs like food pantries and hot meal sites,” explained Flowers. “This jump and your support make it possible to continue to reach the magnitude of community members we do. We feel so fortunate to be able to partner with those in our community in this cause, and we sincerely thank the Portage Lakes Polar Bear Club for the opportunity to jump together in support of those in need!”
During last year’s Polar Bear Jump, thousands of spectators came to support the 800 jumpers becoming ‘polar bears’ by plunging into the icy Portage Lakes. The jumpers raised $100,000 for non-profit agencies in our community.
Here’s how you can get involved:
- Want to jump? Simply go to portagelakespolarbearclub.com and download the jumper information packet.
- Want to support the event? You can make a pledge! To donate funds to support all the brave individuals jumping, visit portagelakespolarbearclub.com.
“I invite our community leaders, friends of the Foodbank, and anyone who is willing to join the Foodbank and the Polar Bear Club in the fight to end hunger,” said Flowers. “Join our team, and help us in our quest to freeze the body, warm the heart and feed those in need!”
So far, community businesses like Kisling, Nestico & Redick, First Energy, Buehler’s Fresh Foods, Ameriprise Financial, Beach Boyz Entertainment, GOJO Industries, Akron General Orthopedics and Bober, Markey, Fedorovich & Co. have stepped up to the challenge and signed up to jump.
For more information about the Polar Bear Jump and how you can get involved, please visit portagelakespolarbearclub.com or call 330.535.6900.