Cold Winds, Warm Hearts

Brave Polar Bear 20th

Gusts of snowy wind blowing up to 30 miles per hour and wind chills as low as -10 didn’t stop the bravest of the brave divers from taking the plunge at the 20th annual Goodyear Lake Polar Bear jump this afternoon.

“You are all so brave I can’t even stand it!” said founder Brenda Waters, as jumpers battled extreme conditions to raise money for 16 local families struggling with severe illnesses.  “I’m just in awe of all of you.”

The jump, which started in 1997 with 11 jumpers, has raised over $750,000 since it’s inception and has donated to 88 families.  This year, however, marks the coldest jump on record, with the dive teams scooping newly-forming ice out of the water and leaving jumpers with icicles forming in their hair and beards.

“This is how it’s supposed to be!” said Jamie Waters, Brenda’s husband.  “It’s no fun if it’s not cold!”