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Contact: Becky McClarran
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20th Annual Hooley Plunge Scheduled for March 2
Cumberland, MD – Now in its twentieth year, the Hooley Plunge has become the largest single-day fundraising event in Allegany County. Scheduled for Saturday, March 2, hundreds of brave souls run into the cold waters of Lake Habeeb at Rocky Gap State Park to raise funds for local programs supporting the developmentally disabled, including the Special Olympics of Allegany County, Friends Aware, programs based in both the public and private schools, Boy Scout Troop #89 and more. The Alhambra Wamba Caravan #89 coordinates the Hooley Plunge, co-chaired by Alhambra member Rob Adams and Stephen Gray, Senior Principal Supply Chain Mfg Specialist at Northrop Grumman. Since its inception, over 1.9 million dollars have been raised.
“It’s awe-inspiring to be a part of the Hooley Plunge,” commented Adams. Every year, we see hundreds of Plungers come out, supported by their friends, family, and business associates. We see kids and teachers from all the schools, senior citizens, entire school and sports teams, organizations, and businesses coming together one day, having a great time and doing something significant for those in our community who need our support. The Plunge is privileged to have several corporate sponsors. It makes me proud to be part of this community.” The Doug and Betsey Schwab Family Foundation, Rocky Gap Casino and Resort, WebstaurantStore, Western Maryland Distributors, Western Maryland Outdoor Power and Chessie Federal Credit Union, ABATE, and the Barrelville Outdoor Club are among the major corporate sponsors.
The Hooley Plunge was the inspiration of the late Dr. Sean McCagh. It began as a fundraiser for the YMCA ice rink. When the ice rink was closed, Dr. McCagh followed his own advice, “Make It Personal.” As the beloved uncle of a nephew with disabilities, he recognized how important these programs are for individuals and their families. As a Wamba Caravan #89 member, he knew helping those individuals was part of the organization’s mission, so he enlisted their support and manpower.
The Hooley Plunge now funds numerous local programs and organizations, including The Allegany County Board of Education Inclusion Sports and Structural Living Environment Classes (SLE) programs at ten Allegany County public schools including South Penn Elementary, Washington Middle School, Allegany High School, Fort Hill High School, Mountain Ridge High School, Braddock Middle School, Mount Savage Elementary-Middle School, Frost Elementary, Cash Valley Elementary and ACM – Community-Based Transition Program. Both Allegany College and Frostburg State University receive funding for a scholarship designated for a local student. Other recipients include the Pratt program at Bishop Walsh School, Boy Scout Troop #89, Friends Aware, Calvary Christian School, the Western Maryland Food Bank, and the Union Rescue Mission. The Hooley Plunge also fully funds the Special Olympics of Allegany County, held in May at Frostburg State University.
On-site registration for the Hooley Plunge begins at 10 am on Saturday, March 2, and Plungers dive into Lake Habeeb at 1 pm. Plungers and spectators are encouraged to arrive early to avoid a traffic backup. For more information or to register for the Plunge, visit www.hooleyplunge.com or https://www.facebook.com/HooleyPlunge.
Following the Hooley Plunge, 1812 Brewery hosts a Post Hooley Party from 3 – 6 pm with music by Time Flies. D’Atris Subs and Mise en Place will also be dishing up food at the brewery. There is a $5 donation that goes directly to the Hooley Plunge.