By Mark Coddington
mark.coddington@theindependent.com

But it will be the first without Toma Rutten, who was killed at age 28 in an auto accident last month.

"Everybody will probably have a tear in their eye, wishing that he was there," said Scott Greger, who helped found the annual fundraiser with Rutten and a few others. "But he will be in spirit."

For the past three years, the Polar Bear Dip has been a fundraiser for the Cedar Rapids Community Club. But this year, in light of Rutten's death, its proceeds will go to Toma's two children, nearly 2-year-old Kaimyn and 8-week-old Hunter.

That added purpose has brought out support from around Boone County. Volunteers have deluged organizers with phone calls, asking how they can help with the event.

The local FFA chapter is volunteering its time. A DJ is lending his services for a dance in the evening. Representatives from the Boone County Sheriff's Department and the Boone County Health Center where Rutten's widow, Nena, works are dipping and raising money for it.

"It just kind of spread like wildfire," said Cyndi Greger, Scott Greger's wife, who's organizing the event.

"I had never experienced any kind of support like this. It's really great."

The Gregers said the response is only fitting for someone like Rutten, a Cedar Rapids native who could always be found lending a helping hand.

It didn't matter who it was the garden club, ladies' groups, the community club. Rutten was never home, Cyndi said. He was always out helping people.

Scott said he saw that spirit through his time fishing, hunting and camping with Rutten.

"He'd take his shirt right off his back if he felt someone needed it more than him," Scott Greger said. "He was like a little brother that I never had."

After Rutten's accident, there was some question about whether the dip would go on this year. But the idea of turning it into a benefit for Rutten's family seemed only natural, Scott said.

"If the shoe was on the other foot, I'm sure he'd do the same thing for us," he said.