Despite a bone-chilling, biting wind that sent temperatures plummeting below zero Saturday afternoon, 59 brave and committed “jumpers” took part in the 11th Annual Freezing For a Reason fundraiser for Harvest Hills Animal Shelter.

Some dipped their toes into the icy waters of Highland Lake with hesitation, while others jogged into the lake, dove in and swam to the outer edge of the square-cut pool.

Overall, over $16,000 was pledged to the animal shelter, according to HHAS Executive Director Joan McBurnie.

Each year, awards are given in various categories for the groups or individuals who receive the most pledges. This year’s winners are:

Team award: Team Dancing Trees, Ali Kiger and Chris Searles.

Adult Individual: Fred Washer of Norway. Teen individual: Alyssa Janelle of Falmouth. Youth Individual: Katie Rose of Bridgton.

Non-Jumper: Andrea Whitman of North Conway, N.H.

The team that raised the most in Team Spirit goes to Fryeburg Veterinary Hospital who had 13 jumpers. This team also all jumped together wearing hospital scrubs and headbands spelling out “FVH.”

Special thanks also go to Team Walgreens of North Conway. The business was an event sponsor, but the team also included six jumpers who all showed up early to stuff prize package bags for each of the 59 jumpers. They raised pledges, as well.

“Together, we can make a difference’ really does apply to our community!” HHAS officials said.

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