South Burlington, VT – February 13, 2024
The twenty ninth Annual Burlington & Cool Colleges Penguin Plunge introduced by Group Financial institution was held on Saturday, February tenth on the Burlington Waterfront. 1,000 individuals plunged into the frigid waters of Lake Champlain on an unseasonably heat day to point out their help for Particular Olympics athletes in Vermont. The Penguin Plunge is the biggest fundraising occasion for Particular Olympics Vermont, and this yr, a record-breaking $675,000 was raised to help sports activities coaching and competitors alternatives throughout native and faculty packages, well being screenings, and management alternatives for youngsters and adults with mental disabilities in Vermont.
“This yr’s Burlington & Cool Colleges Penguin Plunge surpassed all expectations, setting a brand new report as probably the most profitable occasion we have ever hosted,” remarked Sarah McCaffrey, President & CEO of Particular Olympics Vermont. “We’re thrilled to announce we now have exceeded our targets due to the overwhelming help from our neighborhood, companions, and sponsors. This collective effort not solely highlights the neighborhood’s dedication to Particular Olympics Vermont but additionally underscores our shared imaginative and prescient for a extra inclusive future. We’re deeply appreciative of everybody who got here collectively to champion our athletes.”
The Cool Colleges Penguin Plunge occurred at 10am, starting with high fundraising college, Browns River Center College. The 56-member staff raised $21,600. The Burlington Penguin Plunge began at 11am, and the Union Mutual and Hickok & Boardman Popsicles took the highest fundraising spot for the sixth yr in a row. Due to their 62-member staff, led by President & CEO Lisa Keysar, they raised over $185,000 – probably the most raised by a single staff within the historical past of the Penguin Plunge!
All funds raised via the Penguin Plunge go in the direction of Particular Olympics Vermont’s native and school-based packages that exist to foster consciousness and inclusion of individuals with mental disabilities through the use of the facility of sport to showcase their items and talents. As athlete, Caroline McNamara mentioned as she kicked off the occasion, “I like Particular Olympics as a result of I’ve made a number of mates and I like to win medals.”
The Penguin Plunge wouldn’t have been doable with out the help of our many companions: presenting associate Group Financial institution; platinum companions Xfinity and Union Mutual; gold associate GlobalFoundries; silver companions Darn Robust Vermont, Mascoma Financial institution, Northfield Financial savings Financial institution, Our Home Bistro and Vermont Federal Credit score Union; and bronze companions Cabot Creamery Co-operative, Foam Brewers, Halvorson’s Upstreet Cafe, Nationwide Life Group and UVM Well being Community. We’re additionally grateful for our unimaginable media companions: WCAX, 95 Triple X, 101.3 The Wolf, WVMT, STAR 92.9, Supersounds, and the Media Manufacturing facility who produced an thrilling dwell present for everybody to observe at residence. Lastly, Particular Olympics Vermont is appreciative of the help from the Junapr staff, Vermont Tent Firm, Bourne’s Power, Myers Container Companies Corp, Burlington Telecom, Burlington Parks & Recreation Division, the Burlington Fireplace Division, the U.S. Coast Guard Station – Burlington, the Norwich Cadets, Greatest Purchase, Tech Group VT and numerous volunteers who make this occasion doable yearly via offering time, vitality, in-kind donations, and extra.
