NORWAY – Both spectators and jumpers are being encouraged to participate in the annual Jump in the lake for Kids Sake this Sunday.

For 11 years, people from all walks of life have run into the ice-cold water of Norway Lake to raise money for Rightstart, a program that helps needy children and teens.

At 11:30 a.m. Sunday, those who have collected pledges for the jump will gather at the Little Red Schoolhouse on Route 118, next to the town beach.

At high noon, the brave souls will trot down to the beach, clad in bathing suits, shorts and T-shirts, old sneakers or water slippers on their feet.

Some years, people come for the jump dressed in an outlandish costume, just to add to the fun.

At a signal, they’ll rush into the water, some diving, some stopping short of complete immersion. Some go back for a second plunge, or a third, just for good measure.

Everyone who jumps will receive a special Jump in the Lake for Kids towel, along with chances for other benefits of participation.

Afterward, everyone will be invited back to the schoolhouse for cocoa and hot homemade soup made by volunteer Marci Bowman of Paris.

The pledges raised by the event will support several Rightstart programs, including Christmas for Kids, Christmas for Teens, and the Let’s Explore and Read Now program, which offers book swaps and offers summer tutoring in math and reading. The event also supports a Rightstart Scholarship to a graduate of Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School during their second year of college.

The event is sponsored by Ketner Pharmacy on Fair Street in Norway. For more information, phone Chris Tilley at 743-6789.

ggeraghty@sunjournal.com

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