A young jumper participates in the 2020 Polar Pig Walk the Plank event.
JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The return of the Polar Pig will be freezin’ for a reason once again this year.
The annual event began as a simply fun event during Cabin Fever Days, where participants would jump into a pool on a cold winter day. Event founders Don and Marla Wegner have since teamed up with the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) and turned it into one of the area’s biggest fundraisers.
The Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) hospice and cancer center have received more than $230,000 in funds raised from volunteers and more in the event. In a COVID-19 year, the group was unsure if they’d be able to hold the event.
Wegener says they’ve adjusted to an ice bucket instead this year.
Volunteers and participants will be volunteering to have the ice bucket poured on them, asking for sponsors and donations that will then be donated to the JRMC Hospice and Cancer Center.
Shar Trevithick, JRMC Home Health & Hospice manager, says the impact of the event has been important to their mission.
JRMC Foundation Director Lisa Jackson says keeping this service of both Hospice & Cancer Care are vital, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Polar Pig “Ice Bucket Challenge” is set for noon Sat., Jan. 30, with a chili feed beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Stutsman Harley-Davidson. The online auction starts Mon., Jan. 25 and ends at 2 p.m. on the event day. Tou can bid online at bidorr.com.
Participance are encouraged to support the cause by bidding or donating auction items, making donations, or sharing a photo on Facebook for the challenge.
Special gifts include:
Fraternal Order of Eagles Midway 2923, New Rockford
Fraternal Order of Eagles, Valley City
Stutsman Harley Davidson, Jamestown
District 8 ABATE, Jamestown
Sanford Health, Jamestown
J & L Bar and Grill, Sanborn
Page Fire Department
Thundering Saints, Valley City
Wilhelm Chevrolet Buick GMC, Jamestown
For questions, contact Don Wegner at (701) 269-7047 or Stutsman-Harley Davidson at (701) 252-5271.
Listen to a full Let’s Talk About It with Don Wegner, Shar Trevithick, and Lisa Jackson below: