By Gerri Miller
EAN Staff Writer
It wasn’t exactly icy, but 12 people took the Polar Bear Plunge and braved Lake Jordan’s cold water today for a great cause.
Members and friends from five chapters of the motorcycle club The Punishers came together to help the Marbury Youth Football League (MYFL) raise a grand total of $4025, said Dusty Mangham, assistant coach with the Marbury Bulldogs.
All money will go towards buying much needed football equipment, Mangham said.
Todd Arndt drove all the way from Columbus, Ohio to take the plunge. “I am good friends with Dusty and I just wanted to support him,” Arndt said.
This is the first year for the Polar Bear Plunge, but the groups hope to make it an annual event. The equipment that will be purchased with the event proceeds will benefit the 108 football players and cheerleaders who participate in the MYFL.
A large crowd came to watch the 12 brave souls take the cold-water plunge and Mangham said five different chapters of the Punishers were among those who participated Saturday. The participants included members from the Capital City Punishers of Elmore, Alabama, Punishers LEMC Mt. Cheaha, Punishers LEMC T-Town Chapter, Punishers Alabama Iron City LEMC, and Punishers LEMC Ohio Central.
The Punishers LEMC is a brotherhood of First Responders and Military personnel who enjoy riding motorcycles and serving their communities.
The Holtville Volunteer Fire Department’s Water Rescue Team came to help the event. Fire rescue personnel were at the boat ramp and in the water on standby for any emergencies but luckily the event was accident-free.
“We had a great turnout today and beautiful weather,” said Chief Todd McCarley. “We are glad that so many people were able to participate and attend.”
