(Waconda Lake, Glen Elder, KS January 16, 2022) – Approximately 200 St. John the Baptist Catholic Church parishioners, gathered at Waconda Lake on Sunday, January 16, to celebrate meeting the challenge to raise more than $100,000 during the #iGiveCatholic Giving Campaign held in November 2021.
The Campaign, which raised more than $114,000 and nearly doubled the 2020 campaign donations, resulted in Father Jarett Konrade, St. John’s Pastor, Father Andrew Rockers, St. John’s Associate Pastor, Geoff Andrews, Salina Diocese Superintendent of Schools, Marcy Kee, St. John’s School Principal, and Joe Holdren, St. John’s School Assistant Principal, agreeing to do a Polar Plunge into Waconda Lake.
Frigid temperatures in January set the stage for a chilly reception for the plungers as water temperatures were estimated to be at 32 degrees. Two days prior to the Polar Plunge event, local volunteers equipped with waterproof gear and chain saws cut a hole through approximately eight inches of ice at Waconda Lake to prepare for the event.
“The outpouring of generosity that led to this celebration was absolutely amazing,” said Father Jarett Konrade, St. John’s pastor. “Thank you to everyone who contributed and who came out to join us on this beautiful day. A special thanks to Salina Diocese Superintendent of Schools, Geoff Andrews, for driving up and joining the fun.”
The #iGiveCatholic Giving Campaign coincides with the global #GivingTuesday initiative held annually on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving to encourage individuals to give back to charitable causes.
