Gearing Up for Another Polar Bear Jump

Above photo: The Polar Bear mascot is modeling the support t-shirts provided to anyone who raises $100 or more for the annual Goodyear Lake Polar Bear Jump that will help 11 children facing a medical crisis.

GOODYEAR LAKE — Jumping into the frigid waters of  Goodyear Lake in mid-February is an eye-opening experience in more ways than one. First, it gets you out into the fresh air with a lot of other people who have also committed to taking the plunge for a very good cause. And it shines a light on the need to help local families caring for some kids going through a  medical crisis.

Participants and volunteers return year after year to participate in what is  a very popular event. Over its 28-year history it  has grown into something participants anticipate all year long. It is meeting with old friends and making new friends as they gather to take the plunge for a good cause. Last year it raised a record $186,000 which helped a number of local families.  Every penny raised goes directly to the children who have been nominated because they are facing life threatening or life limiting diagnoses. Jamie Waters, who organizes the event with his wife, Brenda, with the help of many volunteers, said they are hoping to break $200,000 in fundraising this year.       

John Snellbaker, of Stamford, is again leading Team Waylon. He said he would jump into the cold water again and again, as long as someone writes a check to make it worth his while. He knows first hand how critical the funds are for a family with a child going through a medical crisis.  He and his wife, Melinda, were recipients in 2023. 

If you would like to support Team Waylon on any donation, do the following: If writing a check it can be made out to Goodyear Lake Polar Bears,  PO Box 201 Stamford NY 12167. Checks are deposited daily into the polar bear account @ NBT in Grand Gorge. A donation can always be made directly going to NBT and saying it is for the Goodyear Lake Polar Bear Jump. There are also QR codes for Venmo or Square (apple pay/ credit card) on the posters. 

TPs Cafe in Stamford, which has been a  longtime supporter, is supporting Team Waylon, honoring the memory of Waylon Snellbaker.  Mindy Snellbaker said last year that the plunge is actually invigorating and with the team it creates a great sense of community with people coming together to let the children and families know they are not alone. People may donate through venmo and there is a poster TP’s where you can get the CR code.

Waters, who has worked for the plunge for the past 28 years, said this is the hectic time as they make the push down to the day of the plunge. They begin their big push in November, selecting those who will benefit, with 11 children selected this year.

Something new this year is the Goodyear Lake Cold Cash Giveaway, which offers a $10,000 first prize. The drawing takes place on the night of the plunge. Tickets are $50 each or 3 for $1000 with a maximum of $1,500 tickets sold. You can purchase through the QR code or contact the Waters' at 607-286-7101.

It replaces the auction and also helps the Hopeful Hearts Foundation, which is  dedicated to supporting individuals and families facing hardship throughout the year. Originally, Waters said, they would hold an auction two to three weeks ahead of the jump, where local businesses would donate items and certificates to be auctioned. The money raised from the auction, would buy the food and t-shirts for the event. 

They are signing people up again this year with many families over a wide area who have benefitted from the Goodyear Lake Polar Bear Jump. This year's plunge takes place on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 12:30 p.m. with registration at the Milford Town Hall. It is recommended you register before 11:30 a.m. to prevent a log jam. 

The jump is followed by an awards banquet at the Oneonta Elks Club at 6:30 p.m.

The recipients come from all over.  One of this year's recipients will be Laney Mondore, of Andes, a dairy ambassador with the Delaware County Dairy Promotion Team, who underwent a bone marrow transplant. Other recipients include: Olivia Young, Aurora Bagley, Jazlyn Kelly, Gabriella Macken, Caitlyn Hilton, Bowen Bray, Liam Thrush, Katherine Kerr, Ace Barrows and Ryan Dibble. You should read their inspirational stories.

If jumping into frigid water is not your thing, you can dip a little less and  there are other ways to help. You can raise funds as a supporter, sell Cold Cash Giveaway tickets, or sign on supporter donations. Anyone raising $100 or more will get a free support t-shirt. Call Brenda Grill at 607-286-7101 to register or for more information

All jumpers must raise a minimum of $100 and jumpers who raise $500 or more are eligible for a free sweatshirt; Jumpers ages 12-17 must have a minor waiver signed by a parent or guardian and jumpers ages 18 and up must have a waiver signed.

During registration individuals will be able to buy raffle tickets, apparel, and order sweatshirts . Directions and jumper information may be found on the website: pbjump.com. Or you can visit them on Facebook at Polar Bear Jump 2026. It lists this year's recipients and their stories. The information is available on the website or there is still time to sign up at T.P. s Cafe´, located at 7 Railroad Ave in Stamford where you will also find a donation jar.