Fourth annual Ford Lake Frozen Leap at Lake Shore Apartments

The fourth annual Ford Lake Frozen Leap to benefit SOS Community Services will return to the frigid shores of Ypsilanti’s Ford Lake on Saturday, February 11, 2012.

In 2009, Lake Shore Apartments and Pakmode Media + Marketing, the parent company of iSPY magazine, teamed up to create this “cool” fundraiser during which sponsored teams of jumpers leap into the icy waters of Ford Lake, with all proceeds going to benefit SOS Community Services. With over 50 jumpers and $4,000 raised in its first year and over $10,000 raised over the past three years. This event not only engaged the youth of the community, but people of all ages became eager to participate in this untraditional fundraiser.

“When we first started the event in 2009, almost all of our jumpers were students, but last year we had a grandma and grandson duo take the leap together. We welcome and encourage people of all ages to participate,” said Bilal Saeed, Brofounder of Pakmode Media + Marketing and one of the event’s organizers.

“The thing that makes our event unique compared to other fundraisers of this type is that we give our leapers all of the support necessary to make this experience as fun and memorable as possible. At other events, you jump in, and once you get out, you’re on your own. We provide a warming shower tent, dressing rooms and a heated tent where coffee, hot chocolate and food are served to those who participated,” said Jen Radziszewski of the Lake Shore Apartments team.

Each leaper will receive a commemorative Ford Lake Frozen Leap T-shirt, amongst other goodies that are donated from various local and regional sponsors. And, for added flare, leapers are encouraged to dress in costumes. This year’s event has set a goal of $10,000, which will beat all previous years' efforts. Prizes will be awarded to the top fundraiser, to the most spirited team and to the top fundraising team. Teams can register by visiting www.crowdrise.com/fordlakefrozenleap or by stopping by the Lake Shore Apartments leasing office at 2500 Lake Shore Blvd. in Ypsilanti, Mich.

SOS Community Services is a community-based nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness in Washtenaw County through partnerships with caring individuals, local businesses and organizations, social service agencies and professionals.