Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
FROM LEFT, Yvonne, Ardie and Randy Johnson, Mara Maher and Joe Barbera prepare to swim across Sunday Lake on Friday afternoon in celebration of Ardie's 72nd birthday and as a fund-raiser for HOPE Animal Shelter.
WAKEFIELD - A crowd gathered at the beach at Eddy Park in Wakefield on Friday afternoon to celebrate Ardie Johnson's 72nd birthday.
For the event, Ardie decided to swim across Sunday Lake as a way to raise funds and awareness for the HOPE Animal Shelter in Ironwood.
Ardie's friends and family joined her for the event. Included in the crowd was Ardie's son, Randy, and daughter, Yvonne Johnson, who accompanied their mother in her swim across the lake.
A long-time resident of Hurley, Ardie likes to give back to her community when she can. She retired from her work as a full-time pastor in 2009, but continues to work as a supply pastor at the First Presbyterian Church in Hurley.
Ardie wanted to "do something for the community" in celebration of her birthday. After seeing her neighbor's father, Bruce Jackson, become involved as a volunteer for HOPE, Ardie decided to offer her support, as well.
"She said she wanted to do something to help out," said HOPE volunteer Jim Salmi. The proceeds of the event will go toward adoption fees, boarding of shelter pets and other expenses of the organization.
Ardie and a group of friends and family swam from the Eddy Park beach across Sunday Lake to the beach on the southeastern shore. After the event, there were refreshments offered to attendees.
HOPE will be having a Hound Dog Hike on Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Miners Memorial Heritage Park. To register for the event, contact or stop by HOPE Animal Shelter.
