Kevin, from Dansville, is a veteran dippee and jumped in for the sixth year in a row. Courtesy photo

The Polar Bear Dip is an annual event hosted by DingmanÕs Bar to raise money for Michigan Special Olympics. A total of 20 ÒdippeesÓ raised money by obtaining donations from sponsors for their jumping into the chilly waters of Bear Lake. This yearÕs dippees raised a total of $4,090 for the day for Michigan Special Olympics.

ÒThe Polar Bear Dip is a success because of all of the efforts of those who pitch in to help,Ó said Pops Modos, owner of DingmanÕs Bar. ÒItÕs not just a matter of cutting a hole in the ice and people jumping in. A special thanks goes out to the following folks who pitched in to make the day a success: Cindy and Rolland Sargent, Bob Murray, Jerry Musser, Ken Berry, Zo Sick, Danny Rocha, XCR Racing, Lodi Garage, Station 8 Volunteer Fire Department, all of the dippees, and those who sponsored them.Ó

This yearÕs event featured its youngest dippee ever. Twelve-yearold, Samantha Berry, from Kalkaska raised $305 to jump. ÒIt wasnÕt that cold until I got out of the water and then my feet felt numb. It was all worth it though because it was for the Special Olympians,Ó Samantha said.

That sentiment seemed to be the theme for the day as all of the dippees and spectators alike enjoyed themselves while raising funds for a worthwhile cause.