Jumpers Brave Icy Waters to Benefit the Foodbank

On February 16, 2013, hundreds of human ‘polar bears’ will brave the icy waters of the Portage Lakes during the 10 th annual Polar Bear Jump, to benefit the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.

During last year’s Polar Bear Jump, 3,000 spectators came to support 750 brave jumpers who faced the icy, winter waters of Portage Lakes. The jumpers raised $85,000 for non-profit agencies in the community.

“Each day, the Foodbank and its team of partner agencies put 72,000 meals on the tables of families in our community struggling with hunger,” explained Dan Flowers. “Because of partners like the Portage Lakes Polar Bear Club, we can continue our commitment to providing help to food insecure individuals in our area.”

Here’s how you can get involved:

· Want to jump? Simply go to: www.akroncantonfoodbank.org 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: www.akroncantonfoodbank.org

"We could not be happier benefiting one of Akron's most vital and worthy charities,” said Kelly Pariso, co-founder of the Polar Bear Jump. “We are going to break our records by getting over 1,000 people to make the jump and could use some help to do so."

The financial goal of this year’s Polar Bear Jump, is to raise $100,000, which will provide 400,000 meals to those in our community struggling with hunger.

“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 against hunger,” said Flowers. “Thank you in advance for your generous and brave spirits! You can help us in our quest to freeze the body, warm the heart, and feed those in need.”

For more information about the Polar Bear Jump please call 330-535-6900.