Wisconsin water ski group gathers on Christmas for the first time due to record warmth
CRIVITZ, Wisc. (WBAY) – For the first time in five decades, a water skiing group in Northern Wisconsin has taken to the shores of Lake Noquebay in Crivitz on Christmas.
“I’ve been here 58 years and I’ve never seen the lake entirely open for Christmas,” said Marge Banazak, daughter of the founders of the Crivitz Ski Cats.
After discovering that the record December warmth has melted ice on the lake, Jamie Nolan, the wife of a skier, says The Crivitz Ski Cats gathered on Dec. 25 to help show their support for the Crivitz food pantry.
Green Bay broke a record on Dec. 23 with a reported high temperature of 53 degrees. The old record was 48 degrees set back in 1888.
“Our lake ice has melted due to warm temperatures,” Nolan said, noting that the organization was raising money to help the community.
The ski group, which was founded in the 1960s by Peter and Dorthy Bugarsky, has played an integral role in giving back to the communities in Northeastern Wisconsin.
Banazak said she and all of the others involved in running the Crivitz Area Food Pantry aren’t paid and completely volunteer their time, without any government assistance.
Friday’s event brought in around $300 in cash donations and two tote bags filled with food that will serve the Northeastern Wisconsin community.
Although about 75 percent of the food pantries clients are the elderly, Banazak said she believes the demographics are shifting.
“I’ve seen the demand increase recently from a number of children and younger families,” Banazak said noting that recent cuts to the state’s food assistance program has prompted an increased demand on food pantries across the state.
In 2014, the Crivitz Area Food Pantry served more than 2,144 families in Northeastern Wisconsin. In 2015, it’s expected that number will be even higher.
Banazak said more recently donations have also been able to serve local schools.
“The teachers are given food for the students in need. If a teacher sees a hungry child, the teacher can then give the food to the student. It’s just wonderful,” Banazak said.
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As for the Crivitz Ski Cats, the group has a tradition of philanthropy, Banazak said noting that her parents placed a strong value on paying it forward.
“My parents taught me that you gotta give back. You have to help people,” she said. |
