NILES — Local community members are preparing to brave the icy waters of a dunk tank for a cause next week.

The River Essence Group and Front Street Pizza Pub, 510 N, Front St. have once again joined forces to host their annual The Pledge To Plunge at FSPP. A month-long fundraiser competition, The Pledge To Plunge aims to raise money for REG projects. The REG is a nonprofit organization founded to enhance the economic and social vitality of the Niles community.

The fundraiser consists of 10 teams competing to raise the most money by the end of the month. Each team has a dedicated “plunger” who will be dropped in a dunk tank as part of the event’s festivities from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 24 at Front Street Pizza Pub. Doors will open at noon. The family-friendly event event will include music, the dunk tank and more. The top three teams who raise the most money will plunge last. 

Last year’s event raised $15,000 for REG projects. According to REG President Vikki Jurgonski, 46 volunteers have been working hard to make the event come to life.

“Our citizens have really poured their hearts into it,” she said. “It’s been really great and I’m so happy to be a part of it. We have 46 volunteers now in River Essence and people are just enjoying it so much and we love making Niles beautiful.”

Participating plungers include:

Mayor Nick Shelton, River Essence

Michael Reed, Custom Computer Co.

Patrick Swem, Sturgis Bank & Trust

Sammatha Zimmerman, Niles Athletics

Ashlee Reed, Brandywine Community Schools

Matt McLaughlin, Tyler Automotive

Megan Kohler, Salon 414

Brigette Campbell, Campbell Ford

Erica Pickles, The People of Niles

Larry Pickles, People of Niles

Donations can be made at any of the participating businesses or by sending it thru Venmo @riveressencegroup with the team you want to support listed in the comments. Checks can be made out to River Essence Group and dropped off to your supporting plunger or mailed to 518 Impalla Drive Niles, MI 49120.