New charity backs Excelsior's New Year ice dive

EXCELSIOR, Minn. (AP) -- A new major charity is joining the New Year's Day ice dive in Excelsior.

The ALARC Ice Dive chose the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund to benefit from the 22nd annual plunge into Lake Minnetonka.

The fund provides financial support for injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.

For the first time, the annual dive will accept credit cards in addition to cash and checks for registration.

On Sunday, 86-year-old World War II veteran Burt Carlson of Mound will jump with co-founder and 22-year diver Bill Wenmark. Because he's over 80 years old, Carlson will be allowed to use a wet suit.

The ice dive begins at 8:30 a.m. at the BayView Event Center.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)