Five days before any celebration is a hectic happy time and the Penguin Plunge is no different. There are many details to attend to, and we are constantly checking weather reports to confirm the fabulous forecast for Sunday. If I could control the weather, there would be lots of sunshine to reflect the happiness of the day's event.
It is certainly difficult for any family to have a child that needs tremendous medical care. The worry that goes through any parent's mind and heart is compounded by the exorbitant costs of medical care and any associated expenses. That is why the Penguin Plunge is such an important cause in our hearts. We are happy to be able to ease some of the financial burden and just to show the families that the community cares is something that really can't be quantified, just experienced.
The stories that people give for participating in any polar plunge involve the feelings of inspiration, challenge, and bravery. I know that there was a story on the Huffington Post that I will put on the Penguin Plunge Facebook Page of a recent cancer survior that highlights these sentiments. Perhaps superficially, there is the fun to be had, and ultimately, it is a lot of fun.
At the Penguin Plunge, there will be first and foremost, lots of entertainment and excitement. We will have live music, the Blarney Stew band will be performing as well as the Lower Hudson Valley Youth Chorus. The event will be hosted by the loquacious DJ Jimmy Schutz (who would make a great Oscar host, if the Academy is reading this!) We also have the world famous and world record holder fastest talking woman Fran Capo who will speak quickly, and the local American Strongman Gerard Benderoth. There is food, and clowns, and the warmest hearted people you'll ever want to meet. We also will give trophies to the largest group (won last year by the TZHS Lacrosse team) as well as the wackiest costume both individual and group. We have great trophies that will make the winners proud!
Remember, the plunge itself it at the end of the event and then there will be parties at two Nyack restaurants - O'Malley's and Bourbon Street!
So, mark your calendars accordingly for a memorable fun event, the 6th annual Penguin Plunge! Please come show your support for Isabella Ruggiero and Max and Bree Hershkowitz!
