Project Fire Buddies Launches 'Lake Jump' Fundraiser With $20K Goal

MANHATTAN, IL — A rapidly growing nonprofit known for its support of children and families navigating critical illness has something chilly planned to help fund its heartwarming work.

Project Fire Buddies has launched its first-ever Lake Jump—a chance to make a splash for their cause. The cold-water plunge is set for March 29, at Sunset Lakes subdivision in Manhattan.

"My job is to always find new, exciting ways to raise money for the mission, and fund the mission, because we are growing at such a rapid rate," said Jeff Goworowski, Project Fire Buddies Chief Development Officer and firefighter with Oak Lawn Fire Department.

Separately, Goworowski has participated in past Polar Plunges to support the Special Olympics—he'll do another on March 2—and thought the idea could be tailored to support Project Fire Buddies.

"How cool would it be to do a lake jump of our own, and have the proceeds go to Project Fire Buddies," he thought.

Started in 2016, Oak Forest-based Project Fire Buddies engages volunteers from local fire departments to rally around children battling critical illness and their families. The organization partners with local chapters to bring comfort, fun, and companionship to their "fire buddies." The now not-so-small and very mighty organization has expanded to 120 chapters in 10 states. The nonprofit's 800+ volunteers have impacted more than 700 children, with $2.7 million gifted to support and uplift families, according to its website.

Plans for the jump fell into place quickly—Manhattan has its own strong Project Fire Buddies chapter, with their buddies deeply adored by thousands.

"All signs pointed to beautiful Manhattan, Illinois," Goworowski said.

The event is set for Saturday, March 29 at 9 a.m. Lake jumpers will take the dive in waves of 10, to avoid overcrowding in the area. Participants will meet at Midtown Bar and Grill, 100 S. State St., where a party bus will take 55 at a time over to the site, Goworowski said.

This year's event is limited to 100 participants, with about 50 spots already spoken for, he added. There is a fundraising minimum of $200 per individual. Only the first 100 people to reach their goal of $200 will be allowed to participate in the actual event, but all are invited to attend an after-party at Midtown, organizers said.

Jumpers can start a team or fundraise on their own. Registration is open online. The event is sponsored by Costello, McMahon, Gilbreth & Murphy Ltd.

Those who complete the dive will get a limited edition Project Fire Buddies towel to dry off, and a limited edition Project Fire Buddies lake jump t-shirt.

The overall fundraising goal is set at $20,000, with $12,300 raised to date.

"That’s 12 Christmases we could fund for Project Fire Buddies," Goworowski said.

With the organization since 2019, he has witnessed the organization's impact on those taken under its wing.

"I have many titles, one being my most prized title, which is 'Dad,'" he said. "I automatically relate to the parents as much as I can, as I’ve been blessed with three healthy children.

"I want nothing more than to relieve any of their burden. I love to see humanity in its purest form of people helping people. Project Fire Buddies is a community within communities—not trying to fix problems, but make sure these individuals don’t go through it alone.

"It’s opened my eyes to the unbelievable gratitude that there is in this world."

Find out more about the event on its website.