Bitter cold doesn’t stop disc golfers from raising record funds for Goshen food pantry

GOSHEN, Ind. -- While many people stayed indoors to escape the winter weather, dozens of disc golfers bundled up and headed to Ox Bow Park on Saturday for the Maple City Ice Bowl, raising a record amount of money for those in need.

The annual disc golf tournament is pay-to-play and has been held here since 2021, bringing players out to support the Window Food Pantry in Goshen. Despite subzero wind chills and air temperatures hovering around seven degrees below zero, more than 80 players participated.

Tournament Director Jason Samuel said the cold weather did not deter competitors, who showed up early and stayed focused on the cause.

“Our goal is to raise money for the Window Food Pantry,” Samuel said. “And their goal is to feed, clothe and care for the people in our community.”

This year’s event raised more than $43,000, breaking the Ice Bowl’s all-time fundraising record.

Samuel said the disc golf community is driven by compassion and shared experiences.

“We all know someone who’s been hungry,” he said. “With all the abundance we have in this country, there’s really no reason for anybody to be hungry. I’m physically cold, but inside I’m warm with gratitude.”