CENTURY 21 Granite Realty Group Inc. ‘Jumps In The Lake’ to raise money for The Coboconk and Area Food Bank

Dean Michel and Jennifer Bacon, CENTURY 21 Granite Realty Group Inc., created the ‘Jump In The Lake’ Challenge to help raise more than $15,000 for the local Coboconk and Area Food Bank (CAFB). The CAFB is facing new challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic­—increased food prices, limited volunteers available due to social distancing measures, and increased demand with the expectation that the number of clients will continue to grow.

Recognizing the pressing need for funds in a time of increased demand at the CAFB, Dean said he would jump into the chilly waters of Balsam Lake if he received $500 in donations. He then challenged his wife Jennifer to jump in if they reached $1,000, and when the donations continued to roll in, they shared the challenge with other brave souls on Balsam Lake and other lakes in the area. On Saturday May 2, almost a dozen families and individuals took the plunge in support of the CAFB and other local charities.

“The Coboconk and Area Foodbank (CAFB) is crucial to our community as we have a number of low-income families who rely on us year-round and seasonal workers who rely on us occasionally,” said Food Bank Chair, Amy Alfredsson. The CAFB receives no government funding and relies on private donations. “We are fortunate to live in a supportive and generous community,” said Alfredsson.

“We did it! And more importantly everyone else out there did it, they donated, they gave so much support, everyone joined in, it was fantastic! We just want to thank everyone again for joining this really fun ‘Jump In The Lake’ Challenge.”- Dean Michel and Jennifer Bacon, CENTURY 21 Granite Realty Group Inc.