For the Tomahawk Leader

TOMAHAWK – A few courageous souls recently braved the frigid waters of Lake Mohawksin in an effort to raise money for area non-profit organizations.

The STAR Splash was held on Saturday, Jan. 7 at the Happy Snapper, 1315 S. Tomahawk Ave., Tomahawk.

The annual event is organized by the STAR (Support Tomahawk Area Resources) Foundation, which “(acts) as a community chest for businesses and individuals by making charitable grants to community groups, clubs and non-profit organizations that contribute to the health and vitality of our area,” the Foundation’s website says.

Those with enough moxie to plunge into ice-cold Lake Mohawksin collect pledges before the jump, with half of the money raised going to the STAR Foundation and the other half going to an organization chosen by the jumpers.

The event raises thousands of dollars each year. This year’s event raised $27,990.00, with all of the money staying in the Tomahawk area.

A total of $1,620.00 was raised from raffles during the event, while $16,370.00 in donations was made, including Northwoods Community Realty’s annual $10,000.00 contribution.

The Tomahawk High School hockey team collected $8,141.00 prior to the jump. The jumpers – Carson Childers, Caiden Reichelt, Austin Lamer, Scout Stromberg, Beau Stromberg, Brody Hilgendorf, Sawyer Hanna, Abby Schertz, Alex Clifford, Caleb Dickens, Jonah Dickens and coach Chris Bembinster – also received an additional $1,000.00 for raising the most in donations.

Jackie and Bob Leonhard, jumping for the STAR Foundation, collected $3,867.00.

Melissa Nieman raised $2,024.00 for the Tomahawk Fire Department.

Morgan Schaefer, Zach Hanse, Keith Hanse, Elle Boers, Mara Boers and Alex Pinter collected $1,107.00 for the Kwahamot Ski Club.

A total of $707.00 will go to Tomahawk Together, thanks to the efforts of Ferron Fisher.

Nick Kahle and  Apurba Banerjee of Discover Wisconsin took the plunge for Tyler Kahle Memorial Field, raising $422.00.

Logan Cook collected $152.00 for the Tomahawk Food Pantry.

“Thanks again for all your support,” the STAR Foundation said in a Facebook post. “What a great event.”

To learn more about the the STAR Foundation, visit www.tomahawkstarfoundation.org/.