11th Annual Polar Plunge Recap
Eleventh Annual Northwoods Original Polar Bear Plunge
Through the dedication, commitment and leadership of Founders and Organizers, Mike Wolf, acclaimed radio personality of WRJO Radio, George and Lois Ruediger along with Kaye and Rob Manthie, owners of Fibber’s Bar and Restaurant in St. Germain, WI the NORTHWOODS ORIGINAL POLAR BEAR PLUNGE
once again became a reality. PBP 2011 was presented marking the 11th consecutive year of the Plunge. And we keep on rolling (or plunging) … it just doesn’t get any better than that!!!!
Along with the founders/organizers, the entire “Polar Plunge Team” of remarkable volunteers gave it their ALL – pulling out all stops and generously giving of their time, talents, knowledge and influence to make this frosty fundraiser another HUGE success. It truly is “COOL” to care!!!! Eternal Angel gratitude goes out to each and every one involved.
Kudos to Mike Wolf and Amy Linnett, WRJO Radio personalities for co-hosting and once again bringing forward the renowned “Pledge-A-Thon” on their station. Mike and Amy stayed on the air for a 30-hour bonus round to enhance the proceeds of the Plunge.
This caring duo are shining stars in our midst and truly Angels among us!!
Angel volunteer extraordinaire, Eric Schoeneck, was right there with Mike and Amy for the entirety of the “Thon” to make it all happen. Another phenomenal Angel volunteer, Dick Lemke, also diligently participated in this non-sleep event. This year a whopping amount of $11,200 in pledges was raised by these incredible “sleepless in Eagle River” Angels.
The score board lit up reflecting a record breaking amount of over $33,000 raised to benefit Camp Angel/Camp Teen Angel, Angel Adventures and other programs of Angel On My Shoulder. WOW and then some!!
A very special drum roll please … a total of $245,096 (1175 Plungers) has been raised in the past eleven years to support those who so greatly benefit from Angel On My Shoulder and its programs. We are extremely grateful Angels!!
The cheering section was overflowing with many spectators giving over the top encouragement to those 102 (including 26 first timers) courageous warriors who lined up ready to take on the icy waters of Big St. Germain Lake, up close and personal. Many of the Plungers donned creative and fun costumes (not sure goose bumps count) which brought “warm” smiles and enthusiastic applause from the audience. And the winners of the costume contest were two very adorable “Polar Bears” (Matt Reuss and Liz Barber). They even gave a quick little tail shake before taking their plunge!!
The grand finale to the plunging was created by the fabulous Polar Bear leader himself, Mike Wolf and his dynamic sidekicks Dick Lemke and Eric Schoeneck. They made the final big splash of PBP 2011 in a true blue race to the finish line!!!! Now that’s making a statement – they are not only top notch leaders but also extremely inspirational and entertaining followers.
At our “after the Plunge” festivities, there was an array of raffle items which were graciously donated by many caring individuals and businesses to entice those seeking a winning ticket.
Creating great interest and “catching” the eye of many was an exceptionally unique offering… a “Fishing with John” raffle. The winner would experience a day of fishing on the waters with remarkable television host, John Gillespie along with fishing guide, Rob Manthei. It will be filmed and aired on national television - what an opportunity and what a prize!! And the winner is … CONGRATULATIONS to Sharon Piske of St. Germain– we’ll stay tuned for your big television debut!!!! A special Angel THANK YOU to John for making this possible through his kindness and generosity.
A huge round of applause to Russ (Moses) Huizinga, Dick Lemke and WRJO DJ, Mike Wolf – these dedicated Polar Plunge veterans have plunged every year since the inception of the Plunge in 2001.
How about that fantastic “Moses” … always a crowd pleaser and title holder for collecting the highest pledge total brought in by an individual with pledges totaling $2,565.00. He is certainly one of the “best of the best”!!
In remembrance of their perfect little Angel, Jadelynn Schoeneck, the remarkable Schoeneck Family and their friends once again formulated an “in loving memory” team, gathering the highest pledges brought in by a group in an amount of $1,836 to support those living with or affected by cancer. This family of Angels also lend their time and talents as hard working members of the Polar Bear Plunge team of volunteers. Way to go Schoeneck Team!!
At the conclusion of the festivities at Fibber’s, the PBP 2011 “Guardian Angels” award was announced. Lois and George Ruediger, two of the outstanding Founders/Organizers of the Northwoods Original Polar Bear Plunge, received this well-deserved recognition. Their grand style of giving, hard work and unending dedication to the Plunge has greatly contributed to the amazing success it has become.
The access ramp and elevated platform on the ice is generously provided by Pier of d’North Corporation to ensure the safety of those taking the plunge.
A very special acknowledgement goes to commemorative t-shirt designer Caitlyn Hook of St. Germain.
Our deepest and sincere gratitude goes to the sponsors of this chilly event: Fibber’s Bar & Restaurant, WRJOldies 94.5fm, Business Connection, First National Bank, Trademark Graphics, White Pine Printing, Lakeland Times, Sam’s Rental, Radio Shack of Eagle River, St. Germain Lodge & Resort, Lakeland Lawn, The Pool People, Timber Bay of Woodruff, Northshore Dirtworks, and Pier of D’Nort Corporation along with an uplifting supportive boost from the marvelous media … Lakeland Times, Vilas County News Review and Channel 12 of Rhinelander.
We simply couldn’t do it without the SAFETY SUPPORT GROUP and extend our most sincere appreciation for all that they do to keep us all “Polar Bear Plunge Safe”: the Town of St. Germain; the Vilas County Sheriff’s Department; the stand-by ambulance provided by the Plum Lake Ambulance Crew, and members of the BoBoen Snowmobile Club for security at the plunge site. We gratefully acknowledge Bill Nichols of Timber Bay Sport & Dive who was on site to assist the plungers safely in and out of the water and the ice cutting crew led by George Schroeder of Northshore Dirtworks.
You can revisit the 11th Annual Polar Plunge by checking out the websites of www.angelonmyshoulder.org or www.wrjo.com.
We invite you to join us for the 12th Annual Original Northwoods Polar Bear Plunge. Please mark your calendars for Saturday, January 7, 2012. We’ll see you there!!!!
Please contact us: info@angelonmyshoulder.org or 1-800-860-3431 if you are interested in being a “plunger”, volunteer, spectator, donator or sponsor.
