Elks lodge members take a swim in Lake Michigan

Sat, Nov 28, 2009    to del.icio.us

The Grand Haven City Beach was filled with swimmers Friday afternoon — at least temporarily — despite air temperatures being in the upper 30s and water temperatures in the 40s.

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More than 20 members of several local Elks lodges took an icy bath in Lake Michigan Friday afternoon all in the name of helping children with special needs.

"Grand Haven, Muskegon and Holland lodges are all represented today (Friday)," said Grand Haven Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Bob Spelde. The event was a response to a challenge issued by the lodge located in Charlevoix.

Members of the three lodges converged in an effort to raise money for the Elks Major Projects fund — a fund specialized in assisting special needs children.

"It's a good starting point," said Barb Versendaal, coordinator of Elks' Michigan Major Projects in Holland.

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A first of its kind event for the local chapters, members hope to make it something that continues in the future.

Versendaal said funds raised from the icy dip go toward the Michigan Major Projects fund. This fund can help those with special needs children in a variety of ways, including home improvements, money for specialized schooling, computer technology and summer camps.

Already, those involved with the Elks have made a significant impact on the fund for special projects.

Spelde said he believes his lodge alone raised upwards of $400 for the Michigan Major Projects fund. Additionally, although official numbers were not known yet, Versendaal said she expects the amount raised by the swim to reach as much as $2,000.