Thank you for supporting Amy and Tammy in this historic, once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will carry on the legacy of the 29 men lost on the Edmund Fitzgerald 50 years ago. Your contribution will help them reach their goal of $2,500, which will support the preservation of the Whitefish Point Light Station that safeguards mariners along Lake Superior's "Shipwreck Coast."
Amy and Tammy are friends and co-workers. They are teaming up to raise $2,500 for the Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim. Amy is spearheading the donation efforts as the dynamic donation coordinator.
Tammy plans to swim in Stage 2 of the 25 mile, 4-person relay swim of the Whitefish Bay crossing in Lake Superior, July 27-29, 2025. Tammy is honored to swim in memory of Paul Riippa, who was from Ashtabula, Ohio. Paul was 22 years old and working as a deckhand on the Edmund Fitzgerald. Paul's siblings have shared that he was working on the Edmund Fitzgerald to raise money for his college education to become a nurse. Blessed be the memory of Paul Riippa.
Amy, a Silver Bay High School graduate, grew up along the north shore of Lake Superior. Her deep connection to the lake and its maritime history is rooted in her teenage years when the Edmund Fitzgerald sank. She remembers the day well, having friends who lost loved ones when the Fitz sank.
Tammy, from Douglas County, Minnesota, developed a love for open water swimming as a child, biking to the lake whenever possible. Her competitive swimming journey began as a mother of four, when she swam the 2 mile Point to La Pointe open water race in Lake Superior from Bayfield, Wisconsin to Madeline Island. She has since used her proximity to Lake Superior to train and acclimate for other cold water swims. Tammy's enjoyment of open water swimming has been driven by her love for adventure and desire to financially support other worthy causes such as cleaner lake water, affordable swimming lessons for kids and restoration of the Whitefish Point Light Station.
Amy and Tammy are committed to preserving the rich history of the Great Lakes and feel honored to raise money and swim in memory of the 29 mariners who perished on the Edmund Fitzgerald. They sincerely appreciate your support and generosity.
