| 1/26/2010 8:12:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article | Rotary Club prepares for another year of Splash
Jeannie Gregory
Editor
The Rockford Rotary Club is gearing up for its 15th installment of Sweetheart Splash. The light-hearted annual fundraising event unites warm bodies with icy water - all in the name of love.
This year's Splash is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13 at the Rockford Dam and is sure to be filled with entertainment and laughs. Each year the Rotary Club donates the proceeds to the North Kent Service Center (NKSC).
The event always features single, double and group categories, with participants professing their love, perhaps performing a skit -- complete with music and then jumping in the icy waters of the Rogue River to prove their devotion. Entertained crowds line the banks of the river and line up along the dam walkways to enjoy the show.
Splash is always highlighted by a notable panel of judges and this year is no different. The panel includes Tom Pearce, Michigan House of Representative, John Decker, owner of Decker Chevrolet, Sandy Waite, executive director of North Kent Service Center and Matt Kirkwood, and Storm Team 8 meteorologist.
"We are hopeful that Matt will order up warmer weather for us," said Lisa Boyd, one of the organizers of the event.
New to this year's event are Splash T-shirts, which will be available for $5 and will enable fans to have a special memento to bring home and remember the fun. Also new, the Rotary Club will be collecting new or gently used blankets from the crowd for the clients of the NKSC.
"After Splash, most of us have an easy time warming up again," said Connie Taylor, Sweetheart Splash coordinator. "Unfortunately, many neighbors do not. The simple act of bringing an extra blanket to Splash can make a world of difference for families and children in our community."
Taylor pointed out the NKSC is overwhelmed with requests for help right now. Many families are in need of blankets as they battle cold temperatures and battle heat bills by turning down their furnaces. The center has a one blanket per family, per visit limit due to the high number of requests and the limited supply so there is a high need.
The center's Executive Director Sandy Waite has agreed to jump in the river herself if the event raises more than $1,500. She assures that she won't be going in alone. Waite has vowed to drag John Decker along with her into the icy depths of the river.
Splash entrants must be 15 years of age and pre-register by 10 a.m. Feb. 13. Entrants between the ages of 15-18 must have a parent/guardian present at time of registration. Registrations forms are available at the Rockford Federal Community Credit Union, 3 N. Monroe.
The $5 registration fee applies to everyone going into the water, even group participants, to help offset event costs. This allows Rotary to donate more funds to NKSC.
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