Grounds Maintenance Services Takes the Polar Plunge for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin!

Brookfield, Wis. – The Grounds Maintenance Services team, normally used to cutting lawns and creating landscapes under a warm sun, will take an icy dip on New Year’s Day to raise money for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.

A group of Grounds Maintenance Services employees will join in the annual Polar Bear Splash Jan. 1 at 2 p.m. at the Sports Channel Bar & Grill, 34422 Delafield Road, Oconomowoc. Grounds Maintenance Services is a major sponsor of the event. The company’s “jumpers” welcome pledges for their leap into bone-chilling numbness.

The annual Polar Bear Splash draws hundreds of spectators, who watch the out-of-season swimmers leap into the frigid channel waters between Upper Nemahbin Lake and Lower Nemahbin Lake. All money raised by pledges, raffle items, sponsorships, direct donations and T-shirt sales is donated to Children’s Hospital and Health System Foundation.

“We’re proud to add the Polar Bear Splash to the many events that Grounds Maintenance Services supports,” said Todd Ruedt, owner of the Brookfield landscaping and snowplowing company. “We’re also proud that our employees volunteered to take the polar plunge!”

The Polar Bear Splash offers many ways to support Children’s Hospital and Health System Foundation. Besides pledges for “splashers,” the event welcomes items or gift certificates to be raffled, plus donations to offset the cost of T-shirts for participants. Business sponsorships of $250 and $500 are available.

The Polar Bear Splash is a local tradition dating back more than two decades. Brave souls wishing to swim in January can participate for a minimum $25 pledge. Heated tents and changing areas will be available. All participants receive a commemorative T-shirt.

Those wishing to stay warm – but still support the health and education programs of Children’s Hospital - are invited to call (262) 784-8219 to make a pledge for the Grounds Maintenance Services team.

Founded in 1999, Grounds Maintenance Services offers a full range of landscaping and yard maintenance services, plus in-home Christmas tree delivery, holiday lighting setup and snow plowing. Its professional staff prides itself on helping homeowners grow their dreams, one yard at a time.