'Mayor's Arctic Dip' Will Benefit Humane Society

HOMEWOOD, IL - Little did Homewood Mayor Rich Hofeld know at the time, but his winter 2017 fall into the icy waters of the Izaak Walton Preserve while he was walking his dog would eventually lead to some good will for countless other local pets in need. The village of Homewood is planning a "Mayor's Arctic Dip" event from 1-2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 12 to remember the then 80-year-old mayor's scary fall and subsequent rescue.

A nod to the December 2017 incident, participants in the arctic dip will jump in a pool that will be put up outside in Martin Avenue Square that day. They will then quickly warm up indoors at the nearby Homewood Science Center.

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Money raised from the event will help the South Suburban Humane Society. Registration is $25, which includes a T-shirt, warm beverage and pizza from Aurelio's. For those looking to avoid a shivering cold, it's $15 for the beverage and pizza only.

"Everyone in Homewood knows I'm a big lover of animals, especially dogs," Hofeld said. "This arctic dip is an opportunity to think of what could have been a tragic event, turning it into a much better winter-time event with our four-legged buddies."

Anyone participating must be 48” tall and those under 18-years-old require a guardian’s signature on a waiver and accompanied by the guardian at the time of the event. Participants should also bring a robe, towel and change of clothing.

Register here.

Photo via village of Homewood