Lake Jump to benefit Jaycees mini golf.

File photo courtesy ALWAY PHOTOGRAPHY

LUDINGTON — Funds generated through this year’s annual Lake Jump will assist the Ludington Area Jaycees in building an updated mini golf course with a Landmarks of Ludington theme at its existing course at Stearns Park.

Lake Jump is planned for Saturday, March 19 at Stearns Park beach. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. The run and jump into Lake Michigan will be at 11 a.m.  Participants of any age are asked to download pledge sheets and waiver forms at www.lakejump.org. Everyone contributing a donation will receive a commemorative T-shirt. The Lake Jump Facebook page will also provide updates. Individuals are encouraged to set up challenges between co-workers, relatives, employers, etc. to raise pledges for the jump.  Employers are also encouraged to offer matching funds for their employees’ involvement.

The Ludington Area Jaycees was started in 1947.  Since 1967, the volunteer leadership-building organization has been operating the miniature golf course at Stearns Park.  Through those years, around $300,000 in proceeds from the course have been donated in support of community enrichments, such as Historic White Pine Village Scottville Clown Band Museum of Music, West Shore Community College Community Ice Arena, a birthing room at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital, play structures at Ludington Waterfront Park, equipment for the emergency response of the American Red Cross, the Plaza Skate Park at Stearns Park, and the accessibility walkways at Stearns Park, among others.  Charity Mondays at the mini golf the past two years have benefited other local nonprofit organizations.

Knowing how rich this area is in history, all the obstacles on the renovated course will highlight Landmarks of Ludington.  Many local businesses and individuals are sponsoring obstacles and assisting the Jaycees in the construction of the course, design and creation of these custom built landmarks, and historical information.

For more information on the Mini Golf Renovation or Lake Jump 2016, please contact Mary Burden at 231-690-2020 or robmary90@gmail.com.