As the unpredictable Ozarks winter continues, several leaders from the area’s businesses and nonprofits have continued the mission of fighting hunger in Taney and Stone County by braving an icy plunge into Lake Taneycomo to raise funds for Christian Action Ministries.
On Thursday, January 30, Kirk Elmquist took the plunge. Although the temperature was moderate for January, Elmquist got twice as wet, as he leaped into the 44-degree water—in the rain! Well-known for his promotional work around the community and recently for serving as Master of Ceremonies for the Hollister Area Chamber’s annual Jerseys, Jeans, and Jackets event, Elmquist took full advantage of the opportunity to challenge his friends for generous donations toward the CAM cause.
“Most of you guys take eating a meal for granted,” he pointed out via Facebook Live before his plunge. “Some people right here in our community are not able to do that, including some of the ones who work hard to keep this community going.” Inflation has definitely taken a big bite from budgets, both of hardworking families and of seniors whose retirement income has not been able to keep up, resulting in increased numbers of first-time visits to the food pantry.
On Sunday afternoon, mild weather in the upper 60s greeted the Church 3:16 team, although it didn’t make the water any warmer.
CAM staff and volunteers are grateful for the funds raised so far by Polar Plunge participants and their families and friends. As of press time, two remaining teams were planning to jump; check out the Facebook livestreams to hear them yell as they hit the water and to sponsor their plunge. If you missed this opportunity to sponsor someone, though, it’s never too late to contribute toward helping our neighbors in need; visit the Christian Action Ministries website or Facebook page for a link to donate or opportunities to volunteer.