Giving Grows: Local Charity Keeps Beating its Own Record
By BILL BELLENMILFORD
Saturday, February 21 will mark the 28th annual gathering for the Goodyear Lake Polar Bear Jump. From 200-300 local jumpers are expected to converge on Silliman Cove to show their support for 11 fundraiser recipients. The event sees daring individuals take the plunge into the icy February waters of Goodyear Lake, being treated afterward to some well-deserved hot tub time and to chili and hot chocolate, to help get participants’ blood flowing again.
The Polar Bear Jump began nearly 30 years ago in 1996 as the brainchild of Brenda and Jamie Waters, quickly growing into a now-renowned local phenomenon and outlet of goodwill and hope for families in need. This will mark the fourth consecutive year with a jump, following a hiatus from 2020-2022 due to personal matters and the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding goals for the jump have been topped nearly every year—2024 saw a record $182,000.00 raised by the event, surpassed again in 2025 with a total of $186,000.00. Brenda shared that she hopes they can continue the trend this year as well.
“We ask businesses, foundations, the fire department—the New York State Dive Team comes out,” Brenda said. “They’re there for us. It’s a pretty endless list of supporters. We don’t have many people saying no—I haven’t had anybody yet this year.”
Strong support is easy to understand with such an admirable mission at hand. Each year, the Polar Bear Jump donates 100 percent of money fundraised to children and families in need of medical-related assistance. When it comes time for the recipient selection process, Brenda reaches out to local health officials like Dr. Lisa Mooney as well as the families of previous recipients to identify people in need.
