Staff Report
More than $80,0000 was raised for local patients and charities by 343 people who jumped into Goodyear Lake on Saturday.
The 15th annual Goodyear Lake Polar Bear Jump also included a reception at the Moose Lodge in Oneonta and auctions of donated items Sunday at Milford Central School.
Perhaps 40 or 50 who signed up didn't attend for such reasons as family activities, or they ``chickened out,'' organizer Brenda Waters said Monday. However, 24 pledgers have been in touch with organizers about turning in money raised, she said, and that's good news because the early tally of $80,492 will grow.
Last year, the event raised about $60,000, and Waters said organizers were hopeful of receiving $65,000 this year.
``More money is coming in,'' Waters said. ``It's awesome _ we're in shock.''
This year's recipients include children dealing with serious injuries or disease: Jessica Dresser, 16, an Oneonta High School student; Aiden Kuehn, 5, of Hancock; Connor Watson, 5, of Hartwick; Cody VanBuren, 10, of Cherry Valley; and Morgan McCall, 9, of Bainbridge.
Also receiving support are Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, Portlandville Methodist Church and the United Way Of Delaware and Otsego Counties. In addition, $1,000 will be donated to the Milford Fire Department for its continued support.
Waters attributed the event's success to many residents, organizations and businesses. Support ranged from a pastor who said a prayer to donors who gave money and volunteers who spent time with preparations and operations, she said.
Royal Chrysler provided vehicles to shuttle jumpers from the parking lot area _ a field owned and loaned by Henry Krol _ to the ice hole, organizers said. And Munson Building Supply provided Bobcat equipment to cut through the ice, an exhausting task done by individuals in the past, Waters said.
Waters said results and other information will be posted at www.pbjump.com. Children and residents are asking about how to support the 16th annual jump, she said.
``We couldn't stop it if we tried,'' she said.
