JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – An event that first started as a part of Cabin Fever Days has raised nearly $200,000 for the Jamestown Regional Medical Center Home Health & Hospice program.

Polar Pig Walk the Plank has been held for 13 years. The event encourages participants to be sponsored and raise money for them to jump “off the plank” and into water outside during the winter.

Don Wegner founded the event for fun, but was encouraged by his wife to give it another cause.

Wegner says the event could reach a milestone this year as the event has raised nearly $200,000, all of which go to the JRMC Home Health & Hospice program.

Shar Trevithick is an RN with the department and says they’re also at a milestone.

Trevithick says the department gets involved with the event too, wearing fun, wacky and sometimes themed costumes.

Wegner added that the event works twofold, also serving as a way to raise awareness of the hospice program at the JRMC.

Trevithick explained a little bit about what their program does and has continued to do for 25 years. She says they’re two different programs and the event is more a fundraiser for the hospice side.

The event will also feature the Abate Chili Cook Off, which is still seeking participants. A silent/live auction will take place from 10 AM to 1 PM, registration and chili cook off start at 10:30 AM, and the walk the plank begins at noon.

The event is set for February 1st.

If you’d like to jump or donate to the event, you can contact Don Wegner at 701-269-7046. You can also contact Stutsman Harley Davidson for more information.

Listen to a full Let’s Talk About It with Don Wegner & Shar Trevithick below: