South Burlington, VT – February 13, 2024

The twenty ninth Annual Burlington & Cool Colleges Penguin Plunge offered by Neighborhood Financial institution was held on Saturday, February tenth on the Burlington Waterfront. 1,000 folks plunged into the frigid waters of Lake Champlain on an unseasonably heat day to point out their assist 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 assist 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 file 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’ve exceeded our targets due to the overwhelming assist 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 faculty, 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 by way of 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 by utilizing the ability of sport to showcase their presents and talents. As athlete, Caroline McNamara stated as she kicked off the occasion, “I really like Particular Olympics as a result of I’ve made numerous pals and I like to win medals.”

The Penguin Plunge wouldn’t have been doable with out the assist of our many companions: presenting associate Neighborhood Financial institution; platinum companions Xfinity and Union Mutual; gold associate GlobalFoundries; silver companions Darn Powerful 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 unbelievable media companions: WCAX, 95 Triple X, 101.3 The Wolf, WVMT, STAR 92.9, Supersounds, and the Media Manufacturing facility who produced an thrilling reside present for everybody to observe at residence. Lastly, Particular Olympics Vermont is appreciative of the assist from the Junapr staff, Vermont Tent Firm, Bourne’s Vitality, Myers Container Providers Corp, Burlington Telecom, Burlington Parks & Recreation Division, the Burlington Fireplace Division, the U.S. Coast Guard Station – Burlington, the Norwich Cadets, Finest Purchase, Tech Group VT and numerous volunteers who make this occasion doable yearly by way of offering time, power, in-kind donations, and extra.