By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

Hundreds of charitable daredevils plunged into the icy ocean last week on New Year’s Day for Atlantic General Hospital’s 31st Annual Penguin Swim to raise money for local healthcare.

With over 700 individual and team participants, the event, hosted at the Princess Royale at 91st Street, exceeded their donation goal, accumulating roughly $121,000, a Jan. 6 press release issued by AGH said.

Top fundraisers included Leila Attia in the individual youth category, who raised $1,240; Matthew Lynch from the individual adult group with $1,070; The Happy Horns with $6,059 from the youth and family team level; and OC Ravens Roost #44 with $12,150 in the community group category.

AGH Foundation Community Relations Coordinator Laura Powell said the Ravens Roost fundraises for the chilly event all year round and has contributed more than $182,000 to the AGH Penguin Swim over the last 16 years.

Powell was quick to spotlight legacy sponsor Bull on the Beach, who has acted as the title sponsor since the event’s creation 31 years ago, has raised more than $725,000 during that period. The Bull team raised $25,000 this year.

Powell noted the weather was warmer than anticipated for this year’s January afternoon dip. The forecast had not predicted sunny skies, yet when organizers observed that the clouds had drifted away, they took to social media for some last-minute promotion. The event coordinator said that between New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, an additional 350 people registered.

“The beach was packed … Having the weather be so nice is encouraging, and it’s such a fun way to start the new year,” Powell said. “The swim isn’t just about the funds; it’s about the friends and the family. It’s about tradition.”

Apart from hundreds plunging into the freezing Atlantic, the Penguin Swim offers fun at every turn. One way organizers achieve this is through a costume contest. Some highlights included Thomas Riccardi in the best-dressed youth category as a banana, Butch Lorditch as Poseidon for the best adult costume and Cinzia Lombardo and Hannah Dulas as “Old Bay and Crab” in the couples contest.

 “It’s very cool to see people come and see how people are dressed,” Powell said.

Organizers also note some of the standout participants each year. Robert Reese, at 80 years old, was recorded as the most senior swimmer, four-month-old Zachary Tybrowski was the youngest, and Ansley Heckscher from Boulder, Wyoming, traveled the furthest.

Powell added that AGH partnered with the Town of Ocean City this year and integrated OC’s 150th-year celebration into its 31st Penguin Swim promotional logo.

“One of the penguins that form the number one has a scarf on it, and the Town of Ocean City’s 150th logo is in that scarf,” the event coordinator said.

Preparation for the swim begins each summer and includes some kickoff festivities. For the fourth year, AGH hosted a puppy swim at the Residence Inn by Marriot on 61st Street in Ocean City during the second week of October, right before the hotel closed the pool. Participants registered their dogs for $20, and the pups were encouraged to splash around. Powell said the event is the “happiest two hours of the off-season.”

The 31st Annual Penguin Swim had additional sponsors, including Ocean City Tourism, AGH Auxiliary, D3 Corp, Princess Royale Oceanfront and Resort Condominiums, WBOC, AGH Medical Staff, Chris Parypa Photography, Duffie Boatworks, WMDT, Wilmington University, Ocean City Elks Lodge #2645, and more. Ryan Kirby and Caitlin Evans acted as the event co-chairs.

“We live in such a great community,” Powell said. “Year after year and event after event, the community never lets us down. They always come through and give us the best possible outcome.”

Emily Tunis, Atlantic General Hospital Foundation chair, agreed with powell.

“We’re thrilled with the community response for this year’s Penguin Swim,” said Tunis, who served as master of ceremonies for the post-event banquet. “And, we’re so appreciative of the generosity of our individual and team fundraisers and sponsors. Their contributions directly benefit this community, allowing Atlantic General Hospital to invest in the technology, clinical staff and infrastructure necessary to provide safe, high quality care. I can’t say thank you enough.”