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Freezin’ For A Reason New Year’s Day A Success
January 4, 2013
Brent LaPietra
of Lake Winnebago Wizards
Tribune Photo/Jeremy Flowers
By Wendy Hayworth
Intern Reporter for the Tribune
intern@lstribune.net
Over 150 people braved the cold weather to support the skiers at Lake Winnebago this past New Year’s Day to raise funds for the Cox family including members of the Lake Lotawana Ski Club that didn’t ski but wanted to donate and support such as, Don Thompson, Sarah Cooley Fraizer, Craig Davis, Thomas Strannigan, Peter, Debbie and Samantha Weber.
“When it’s so cold that none of the digital displays in the boats are working, it should probably be too cold to ski, but those guys tough it out all day,” Event organizer Reese Wolff said.
30 people Lake Winnebago, Lake Lotawana, and Raintree took on the frigid waters.
Skiers were pulled by Lake Winnebago residents: Rich LaPietra, Jeff Gamble, Reese Wolff, Kent Eagleburger and Daryl Granzella.
“This is an outpouring of generosity shown by hundreds of caring people. It’s amazing and humbling to be a small part of it,” Jennifer Noone, event coordinator, said.
In addition to the skiers, over 100 people showed their support along the beach despite the chilly air.
“Neighbors and friends brought all kinds of soups, chilies, chowders, dumplings, breads and desserts. Dave Prinster with Organo Gold donated all the coffee and hot chocolate,” Noone said.
Mark Long entertained the crowd with music and Jeff Sefton auctioned off donated items.
“If a point comes where they are no longer in need or our financial support, I hope the event evolves into Freezin for Another Reason,” Event coordinator, Rich LaPietra, said.
Jake Cox 18, Grace Cox 15, and Samuel Cox 11, suffer from Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome.
SDS is a rare, life-threatening disease that causes bone marrow failure.
The body can not produce enough white blood cells, and is subject to many other illnesses. There is no known cure for SDS.
Once again the community came together to raise money to help the Cox family pay their medical expenses.
So far, $12,000 has been raised and more is coming in. If you would still like to donate to the Cox family make checks payable to:
Freezin for a Reason and mail your check to
Arvest Bank
360 SW M-150 Highway
Lee’s Summit, MO 64082
OR drop off at any Arvest location.
“It means more to my family and myself than I think anyone realizes to just see how much so many people care. There’s a lot of amazing people who work really hard to put the event together each year, and we can never thank them enough for what they do,” Grace Cox said.
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