By Will Marrs

Special to the Enterprise

“ This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” – John 15:12, ESV

The love of a community surrounded two families Saturday, Dec. 3 at this year’s “Freezin for a Reason” at Camp Manna in Cooleemee.

The event helped to fundraise for the family of Tommy Mitchell who is currently battling colon cancer, and the family of Ellie Kate Stokes, who was diagnosed with leukemia earlier in November.

The day started with pictures with Santa, and a pancake breakfast beside a warm and cracking fireplace. Volunteers helped serve breakfast, as well as a lunch of heart-warming, award-winning chicken stew and a grilled cheese sandwiches.

During the chilly morning hours, participants were also able to race through a challenging 1.5 mile obstacle course including two hill climbs, a battle crawl, a paddle across the lake, and treks over barriers amongst other challenges.

The day capped off with a chilly, ceremonial “Polar Plunge” into the lake for those who were crazy enough to brave the cold.

Camp Manna works each year to grow this event to help benefit several needs in the community.  Through volunteer work and the dedication of many, goals of helping families in need have been met. This event is geared towards encouraging all individuals to come together in fellowship to prove that no matter where we are at in our lives, the collective can make a difference.

The Freezin’ for a Reason committee and Camp Manna would like to thank those who have supported this event in any capacity and helped make it a success.  We have been incredibly blessed being surrounded by such a loving and generous community.  We greatly look forward to seeing everyone at next year’s event.

For additional event pictures, obstacle course video, and information regarding next year’s event, connect on Facebook at “Freezin’ for a Reason – Camp Manna” or visit CampManna.org.