Everyone came out promptly
by BETH ALTENA
Judge and meteorologist George Lessons said with the wind chill the temperature for the 17th annual Sweetheart Splash at the Rockford dam was at about zero. This was good news/bad news for participants, who, a week before, likely were outdoors without jackets.
The days-earlier appearance of winter from unseasonable warm temperatures didn’t deter the nearly 30 brave (insane) people who competed for the trophy in the singles, couples and groups divisions.
Not only did the icy river fail to stop the jumpers in the fundraiser for North Kent Community Services (NKCS), nearly half managed to hide their horror with brave faces. Singles Don Mac Kenzie even kept a smile on his face and refused to flinch as he danced into the water without a pause and went completely under, still dancing.
The couples winner was NKCS Director Sandy Waite with her husband of over 40 years, George. Waite said she hopes to return to her job as judge next year and watch the antics of jumpers from the (relative) comfort of the judges’ table.
This year the judges were brutal and demanded a redo for the groups division, torn between three young men from the Peppermill Grill and the Blues Brothers of the Rockford First Congregational Church. Going in to the sound of “Soul Man,” the church guys ended up with the big prize and were reminded by emcee Gene Parker that the group winners traditionally take the plunge with the trophy, making them the first group in Splash history to take on the icy river three times.
Rockford Rotary Club, along with long-time organizer Lisa Boyd, bring Sweetheart Splash to Rockford. Traditionally the current president of Rockford Rotary is one of the jumpers in the Rogue. This year’s Rotary President Sue Bodenner was conveniently, if not suspiciously, out of the country on the day of the big event. Somewhere where the water is emerald green, not muddy brown, Bodenner showed her spirit was with Saturday’s participants as she, too, “took the plunge.”
Sweetheart Splash takes place each year on the Saturday before Valentine’s Day. This year, for only the second time in the event’s 17 years over $10,000 was raised—all for struggling families in the area.
