Blown away: Lake Loop raised money, got us moving

October 06, 2022| Events, Fundraising, Recreation

By: Caitlin Doran

The week of the event, as we were marking the roads, inflating the buoys, and picking up water for the rest stops, we were also watching the weather (and wincing). Rain was in the forecast, and while the Lake Loop is always rain or shine, it’s certainly more fun in “the shine” than the rain.

Now, we are left saying “THANK YOU!” to those who petitioned mother nature to bring a blow dryer to the event, blasting us with wind, but keeping us dry. The intense gusts made our run and our ride more of a challenge and ultimately cancelled our paddle (which may have otherwise turned into a surf or a swim), but our hearty participants and volunteers persevered! There were big smiles as cyclists and runners crossed the finish line to a warm welcome by the Joe Biglin Gang, who kept the tunes coming. Live the Lake NJ then fed and watered us (first “fire water” was free for all participants over in the beer garden).

The Lake Loop is part of our efforts to bring recreation opportunities to our community, and it’s also a fundraiser to support our advocacy, environment, education, and community programs. I am happy to report on both fronts, it was a success. Over 120 people signed up for this year’s event, and through registration fees, fundraising, and sponsorships, we were able to reach our goal of raising over $65,000! Congratulations are in order to the following folks who took home prizes:

• Registration Raffle Winners (gift cards to Ramsey Outdoor, Cycle Craft, Premier Dentistry of Morris, and FLG X NJ)
  Mike Seymour, Brandon Garcia, Samir Koliq, Todd Furman, and James Spilman, David Wolter
• Volunteer Raffle Winner (gift card to Jimmy Geez North)
  Marie Muller-Noonan
• Raised $100 or more raffle (Kent First-Look Margaritaville bicycle):
  Elena Cobleigh
• Top Individual Fundraiser (Bike-Run-Paddler’s Dream Package, won by a staff/board member and raffled off to another lucky fundraiser)
  Regina Cox
• Top Fundraising Team (free cruise aboard Miss Lotta, won by a staff/board member and donated to 2^nd top fundraising team)
  Saint Clare’s Crew

Thank you to everyone who went that extra mile and asked friends and family to support their ride, run, or paddle. And waves of gratitude go out to our long list of sponsors who donated prizes for our participants and top fundraisers. Please join me in thanking these businesses, who are steadfast friends of the Lake Loop.

We’re also extremely grateful to our four towns for supporting this event, to the Morris County Office of Emergency Management for keeping us safe, and to Cycle Craft for providing safety and support to all riders. Ramsey Outdoor, the New Jersey State Police Marine Division, and Randy from Lake Hopatcong Marine get a shout-out here too – their truck, boats, and staff were ready to join us up to the minute of the no-go call. An encore, too, to Live the Lake NJ, who consistently signs on as our Presenting Sponsor and gives, and gives, and gives to make this a great day.

I’ll close by thanking the 50 volunteers who donated their time on Sunday. None of our events are possible without our army of volunteers, who come from all walks of lake community life. It’s been a pleasure getting to know each of you.

Enjoy these photos snapped by staff and volunteers at this year’s event. Until next year, Lake Loopers!