Taking a cold dip for a a good cause, and to pay off a bet

Sometimes you have to swallow your pride, take off your Lions club terry cloth bathrobe and take the plunge.

But it was for a good cause.

Three men jumped through a 4-foot by 4-foot hole carved through the ice into Wasilla Lake this weekend to raise money for children with vision problems.

Sounds like your standard small-town way to pass the hat but it was still fun to see the egging on, the silly hats and the cameras come out for the event.

In a small cove bordered by one of the Lions homes, the Palmer Lions gathered around a fire pit and grilled burgers while the minutes ticked away.

Its almost time, laughed club president Billie Scupholm.

Scupholm and member Mike Stoll had decided to raise money for photographic screening for 1-5 year olds by pledging to have other Lions make a Polar Bear swim into Wasilla Lake. Thats when Lions District 49 President Ernie Klechka got into the act.

He said hed jump in, too, if the Palmer Lions raised more than $1,500.

The Palmer Lions raised $2,300.

Can you say gurgle, Mr. President?

Everyone made it in and out of the lake without a hint of frostbite, plenty of burgers and chili disappeared, but most importantly, a few more Valley parents will know their children have healthy vison.