In 2009, the Lake Shore Apartments and Pakmode Media + Marketing (publishers of iSPY Magazine) teamed up to create this “cool” event. With over 50 jumpers, and $4,000 raised in their first year and over $10,000 the past 3, the two companies knew they had created an event that would not only engage the youth of the community to give back, but quickly realized that people of all ages wanted to participate in this daring challenge of leaping into the ice cold waters of Ford Lake in the middle of Februrary.

“It really became apparent to us last year that people of all ages wanted to participate in this event. When we first started 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 organizers of the event.

“The thing that makes our event unique compared to ones similar 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 your on your own. We provide a warming shower tent, dressing rooms and a heated tent which serves coffee, hot chocolate and food to those who participated,” added Jen Radziszewski of the Lake Shore Apartments team.

Those daring enough to take the plunge are required to raise a minimum of $50 and have a team of 3 or more. This gets each leaper a commemorative Ford Lake Frozen Leap t-shirt, amongst other goodies which are donated from different local and regional sponsors of the event. Leapers are encouraged to dress in costumes to add a little flare.

Teams can register by going to http://www. crowdrise.com/fordlakefrozenleap, by visiting the website at http://www.frozenleap.com or by stopping by the Lake Shore Apartments leasing office at 2500 Lake Shore Blvd. Ypsilanti, MI 48197.

The event has set a goal of $10,000, which will beat all previous years’ efforts. Prizes will be awarded to the top fundraiser, most spirited team and top fundraising team.

To help fundraising efforts, this year the organizers teamed up with community favorites, Beezy’s Cafe and the Ypsilanti Buffalo Wild Wings to “Dine and Donate.” Just stop by Beezy’s on Saturday, February 4th from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and 10% of your order will be donated, and on Wednesday, February 8th the Ypsilanti Buffalo Wild Wings will be donating 20% of your bill. But if you dine in between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. they’ll be donating 25%!

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.