Community Corner

Second Time's The Charm For New London Penguin Plunge

After being delayed by February nor'easter, fundraiser for Special Olympics Connecticut draws hundreds to Ocean Beach Park

After getting snowed out once and nearly hit by a late season blizzard, the Penguin Plunge fundraiser for Special Olympics Connecticut went off without a hitch on Sunday.

Originally scheduled for Feb. 10, the event was pushed up due to conditions from last month’s nor’easter. Another winter storm arrived late last week, but didn’t cause a disruption.

“I knew it was supposed to warm up, and I was just hopeful that all the snow would melt in time and it wouldn’t deter people from coming out this weekend,” said Jackie Turro, director of development for Special Olympics Connecticut – Eastern Region.

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A total of 230 people pre-registered for the plunge, raising a minimum of $75 per person to run into the frigid waves of Long Island Sound at Ocean Beach Park. In online donations alone, about $30,000 was collected to support the Special Olympics.

Several people were trying out the Penguin Plunge for the first time. Eileen Perron, of Salem, was part of a “Hawaii 5-0” team of people in Hawaiian garb.

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“It’s been on my bucket list since I was a kid, and I’ve always been too chicken to do it,” said Perron.

She got the chance this year when her boyfriend, who has done the event before, invited her to take part with his team. Perron said she received the advice to just make a beeline for the water and not think about the cold. And to make sure to dunk her head lest her teammates do it for her.

“I’m excited and I’m nervous and I ‘m just hoping I don’t turn blue like a Smurf,” she said.

The strategy of heading into the water without hesitating has worked for repeat participants as well. Cliff Marks, of Windham, was doing the Penguin Plunge for the third time with fellow members of the St. James Church in Preston. Each person dressed up in a superhero costume, with the team dubbing themselves the “Frozen League of America.”

“It’s for a good cause, and it’s fun, and people think you’re crazy,” said Marks.

Zany costumes are nothing new at the event, and Ron Sturm of Winsted made his contribution to the tradition by dressing up as a caveman. Sturm was plunging for the first time, and thanked his company—Connecticut Community Care, which does geriatric social work for the elderly—for supporting him. Sturm said he joined late and the business pledged $200 in three days.

“Our small company is 80 people, and I’m really impressed that they raised that much,” he said.

Tom Spinnato, of New London, wore an outfit covered with lip marks and dyed his hair green and gold. A second time plunger, Spinnato said he offered to let the person who made the biggest donation pick his hair color.

“I’ll probably shave it off tonight,” he said. “I don’t think the city of New London would appreciate me going to work like this.”

Turro had her own advice for anyone who wants to take part in the Penguin Plunge next year.

“Go all out, get your head underwater, and then get out and run like hell for the building,” she said.

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