Polar Plunge generates funds for Range Hospice

WAKEFIELD - "Go jump in a lake" is a command that was followed by about 50 people who participated in the 10th annual Regional Hospice Polar Plunge on Saturday.

On a sunny afternoon with temperatures around 32, hundreds of spectators watched as young and old participants dove into frigid Sunday Lake for a worthy cause, namely to raise money for end of life services.

Announcer John Oberto, of Iron Belt, Wis., said 40 people signed up for the event and another 10 showed up on Saturday afternoon.

"We had a lot of people jumping in groups this year," Oberto said.

Tom DeCarlo, of Ironwood, who will turn 90 on March 24, couldn't take the full plunge this year, but got wet in the "Scaredy Cat" division, only dabbling his feet in the water.

DeCarlo jumps at various sites and Oberto said it was DeCarlo's 12th leap.

The lake is still covered with ice and snow and a small area was cut out to allow for the plunging.

Dave Geyer, of Ramsay, arrived in a big box as "Collector Edition Barbie." He lost his blonde wig when he went under for his leap.

Other featured jumpers included about a dozen Polka Dot team members, Gogebic County Sheriff Peter Matonich, undersheriff Ross Solberg and his son and a special appearance of "the Kardashian Twins" from Minneapolis.

All the people who jumped dedicated their leaps to family members, friends and people in general who used hospice services before dying.

Participants once again raised money by taking pledges for their efforts. Contributions are tax deductible.

A post-jump warm-up social and awards ceremony followed the "Freezin' for a Reason" event at the Wakefield VFW.

Organizers of the event said they'll inform the public of the total pledge money, expecting more to come in yet.