Belleville Lake Water Ski Club members are scheduled to bear Belleville Lake’s frigid 35- to 40-degree winter water temperature in order to raise awareness and funds for two local charities, Girlstown and the Food Closet.

The activity will follow Belleville’s popular Christmas parade Dec. 6. The parade begins at 11 a.m. In the past four years the ski club has been credited with contributing approximately $10,000 to local charities.

All participants are active members of the ski club, established in the 1960s and originally named the Belleville Lake Stump Jumpers.

While the 60-plus-member group primarily focuses on summer fun, skill education and safety awareness efforts, it has always maintained a focus to include charitable activities. Another ski show is scheduled for next summer.

Area residents are encouraged to support these charities by sponsoring ski club participants. Any donation of more than $20 will get your name entered in a drawing to win a free water-sport lesson.

Many of the skiers will be protected from the elements by dry suits made from nylon, which utilize the wearer’s body heat to seal in warmth and keep out the wet, except on hands, feet and head, but some skiers have been known to ski in nothing but their swimsuits.

Skiers must commit to spend at least five minutes above the water in order to win sponsor pledges, which are dependent on the skier’s total "time-up."

In the chance that the lake is frozen over and participants are unable to ski, all proceeds will continue to go to the charities.

Spectators can view the ski event from the Horizon Park boardwalk adjacent to the Belleville Grille on High Street, which will also serve as a viewing area.

To pledge a donation, call Justin Juriga at 1-734-604-1125. The Belleville Lake Water Ski Club is a non-profit organization.