Jumpoff hits $2 million mark
Nate Chambers, natechambers.com | for the LOG
A crowd lined the Seward Small Boat Harbor Saturday as jumpers leaped into the bay to raise money for the American Cancer Society in the 27th annual event.
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The Seward Polar Bear Jumpoff Festival raised over $173,000 for the American Cancer Society on Saturday when 150 brave souls leaped into Resurrection Bay at the Seward Small Boat Harbor. Supporters lined the docks at the harbor to watch the craziness and went on to enjoy a host of fundraising events, games and a parade.
Final totals for all the events that raised money for the Jumpoff’s fund for Kenai Peninsula Children with Cancer, but the Friday night auction at Tony’s Bar raised $6,663 and the Saturday auction at the American Legion raised $1,100. The Jumpoff uses the funds for grants to children on the Peninsula with cancer. The grants are awarded in a simple fashion — the only criteria is that the child has cancer and lives on the Kenai Peninsula. The grants are between $500 and $1,000 and a family can reapply. Information is available from the contact information below.
Nate Chambers, natechambers.com | for the LOG
At 9 a.m. Jan. 28 “The Big Alaska Show” with Steve Stripling and Henry Huizenga, who MCed the Jumpoff and taped the show afterwards, will air on KFQD and live streamed on the KFQD Website.
The top 10 fundraising jumpers for 2012 were 1) Chip Alvord $26,350, 2) Christy Hill $11,330, 3) Kim Bender $5,833, 4) John Eckelmann $3,565, 5) Stephanie Christensen $3,470, 6) Sarah Rash $3010, 7) Patrick West $2,520, 8) Vern Johnson $2,250, 9) David Schrader $2,015 and 10) Sonya Travis $2,005.
Jumpers for 2013 can sign up as early as Aug. 1. The number of jumpers is limited to 150 and each jumper must raise a minimum of $750. To participate contact Seward Polar Bear Jumpoff Festival at P.O. Box 386, Seward, AK 99664 or polarbearseward@yahoo.com.