United We Shiver raises $37K while celebrating Joy Nadeau

More than 140 brave souls ran into the icy waters of Big Lake on Saturday, Feb. 10, to make a splash for causes near and dear to their hearts.

The annual United We Shiver plunge, a fundraising event orchestrated and hosted by the Sherburne County Area United Way, was changed from a plunge to more of a mad dash due to the unusually mild winter that has greeted central Minnesota.

These 142 people, to be exact, who represented dozens of teams, raised more than $37,000 for area nonprofits of their choosing.

“It was a gorgeous day and a lot of people came out,” said Kat Sarff, the executive director of the local chapter of the United Way. “There was skepticism for running into the water rather than jumping right in, but no one seemed to mind.”

Organizers had a bell at the end so plungers raced to see who could hit it first.

The event honored the late Joy Nadeau, the local United Way chapter’s former executive director. She gave more than 12 years of her life to the organization. A group that went by the name Jump for Joy took part to show how much she meant to them and the community. Nadeau’s family was there on her behalf and spoke to the crowd.

Proceeds from the Jump for Joy team will continue her passion by donating to the United Way’s Imagination Library book program.

Seven barbecue teams competed in a contest, with JN Wally’s winning the People’s Choice for the second year in a row. Obsession was selected by judges as the overall winner.

The keg toss was a hit, as event organizers worked to expand the number of adult activities.

The ball pit was added fun for kids this year. It was called a “practice plunge,” so they could try “plunging” without getting wet. The hope is when they get older they can upgrade to the real deal at future United We Shiver events.

The after-party at Lupulin was well attended, and it was standing room only for a little while.

Jumper rewards went to:

• Best costume/theme: CAER Food Shelf, dressed at CAER bears.

• Team with most jumpers: Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (second year in a row).

• Fastest to the bell: Jump for Joy.

• Crowd favorite/most cheers: Magnus Veterans Foundation.

• Most funds raised by a team: Open Doors for Youth.