Polar Bears Plunge into Hopatcong

More than 400 people gathered to watch a brave group of swimmers—86 in all—jump into Lake Hopatcong on Saturday as part of the Lake Hopatcong Elks Club's second annual "Leap in the Lake" to raise money for special-needs children to attend the Elks Camp Moore in Haskell. "We raised $25,230—more than $5,000 over last year, and nearly $46,000 in two years," said Rich Gathen of the Elks Club. Swimmers jumped through a hole in the ice at Hopatcong State Park, many in summertime bathing suit attire for the event, and 250 swimmers and friends joined the after party at the Elks Lodge on Howard Boulevard. For more information about the Elks or to donate to the camp, go to the Elks #782 website.