LAKE WYNONAH - Four years ago, the inaugural "Leap in the Lake" benefit allowed the Make-A-Wish Foundation to grant community resident Eddie Heim's wish of having his own pool.
Now finished with his leukemia treatment, Heim was able to jump into the freezing waters of Lake Wynonah for the first time Sunday to support other children in the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
"It was cold," Heim, 17, now of Orwigsburg, said shortly after drying off.
The Lake Wynonah Athletic Group held its fourth annual Leap in the Lake at noon Sunday in the community lake to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Heim said he wanted to support the organization since it helps boost the morale of children.
"They did it for me the first time and I wanted to give back," Heim said. "It makes them feel better in general and gives them something to look forward to."
David Tyson, chairman of the athletic committee, said 135 people registered in advance for the event and there may have been even more there Sunday.
"It's an extreme event that always draws interest and it was for a great cause," Tyson said.
Tyson said the committee started the event when members wanted to do a charity event for Make-A-Wish and knew other polar plunges have been successful, including the Deer Lake Polar Plunge held Saturday.
"They've always been big events elsewhere and we have the perfect setting," Tyson said.
After leaping into the lake, participants were invited to the community clubhouse where there was food and music.
Joe Lake, Hanover, was one of many people wearing a wet costume after emerging from the water. Lake dressed up with family members and friends as the "Rubber Duck Dynasty."
"It's for a good cause and its a way for friends and family to get together and support the community," Lake said. "It also gives them a reason to dress up and (get) a little crazy."
Timothy Lechleitner, 16, of Lake Wynonah, is waiting for his wish to be granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. A huge Star Wars fan, Lechleitner wants to visit Skywalker Ranch, a movie ranch and workplace of film director and producer George Lucas in northern California.
"I always wanted to go there," he said. "It is every fan's dream to go there."'
Although he did not go in the lake Sunday, Lechleitner said he got a laugh out of seeing everyone jump in the cold water and appreciated them supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
"It makes it bearable for (the children) to know that there are people who care," he said.
The Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia chapter has served more than 15,000 children in 57 Pennsylvania counties and West Virginia in its 30-year history. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit www.wish.org.