Ludington Lake Jump
Photo by Tommaso Fornoni on Unsplash.com
April, 2022
Each year during the transition from winter to spring, area residents and businesses take pledges and try to raise as much money as possible for the Ludington Lake Jump. In return, that person must run into the icy waters of Lake Michigan at Stearns Park Beach on Lake Jump Day. Many local businesses also help out with hot drinks and food at the event.
Due to gathering restrictions regarding the COVID-19 virus, the Ludington Lake Jump for 2020 & 2021 was held virtually. Participants were invited to raise money and “jump where they are” and submit videos of their jump.
The 2021 event benefitted West Shore Family Support, which offers parenting and prenatal classes, and assistance to parents who want to regain their parental rights based on referrals from the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services.
Specifically, the funds will benefit the Baby Boutique, which assists families with items like diapers, wipes, and clothing.
History of Lake Jump
2021 marked the 22nd year for the Lake Jump, which began when two local disc jockeys made a dare. Since then, over $600,000 has been raised for local charities, such as West Shore Pregnancy Care Center, Sandcastles Children’s Museum, the Rotary’s STRIVE program and the Ludington Area Center for the Arts.
In 2015, the Ludington Lake Jump beneficiary was the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum and over $24,000 was raised. In 2016, the Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf Renovation benefited to the tune of over $7,800, and in 2017 the Mason County Sports Hall of Fame received the proceeds, totaling $22,100. The Lake Jump raised more than $42,000 in 2018, and with the matching gift, a total of $91,700 was donated to the Lakeshore Food Club. In 2019, over $70,000 was raised for the Ludington Splash Pad and the modified 2020 event benefited Lakeshore Food 4 Kids and netted over $76,000.
Click here to see the current temperature of Lake Michigan.
Stay tuned for updated information on the 2022 Ludington Lake Jump!
For more information on the Ludington Lake Jump, please contact the event organizer:
Ludington Lake Jump Board of Directors