BOISE, Idaho — Over 400 people took the plunge into the icy cold waters of Lucky Peak to help Make-A-Wish Idaho at the 21st annual Gebert-Arbaugh Polar Bear Challenge. The event took place on Saturday, Jan. 6. President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Idaho, Janie Best, said that they raised enough money to fulfill 12 wishes and she thinks the number will go even higher.
"The average cash cost of a wish is about $7,500. Kids can wish for anything their hearts can imagine," Best said. "A new wish that has come out of COVID is a wish to give, so we've had five kids in the last year have wished to give their wish to someone else or another organization."
All of the proceeds from the plunge go directly to Make-A-Wish Idaho and last year the organization granted 127 wishes to kids with critical illnesses. The first year 36 people attended the event. This year they will grant over 140 wishes.
Larry Gebert's son, David di Donato, was also at the event and said it was the biggest one he has ever seen.
"We are out here at the Polar Bear Challenge 2024, and it is amazing, it was cold, but it's so much fun diving in," di Donato said. "I love every second of it, it's a great way to start the year. I grew up with my dad going skiing every weekend all the way through the winter. And it was like, let's get people out here in the winter, how we do, and let's jump in some water. It started small and has grown."
When asked about what his dad would think of the turnout, he said he would be proud.
"I think he's looking down at us smiling really big right now." di Donato said. "Thank you to everyone who came out and helped raise money for Make-A-Wish."
People can still make donations at idaho.wish.org.
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