(Dec. 31, 2015) Hundreds of people will plunge into the ocean off 91st Street during the 22nd annual Penguin Swim on New Year’s Day, an event to benefit Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin.
“This event supports your local, not-for-profit hospital,” AGH Event Coordinator Alli Justice said. “It’s a bucket list kind-of-thing. We’ve grown the event exponentially and have added even more fun for the entire family.”
There will be carnival games, girls dressed as mermaids, a costume contest, live entertainment by Harry O, a trick pony, ice art and games.
“Erik Cantine is back again on Jan. 1 and plans to craft not one, but a few, ice art displays for us to enjoy at the event,” Justice said.
In 2015, about 850 people plunged into the surf for the swim and raised more than $79,000 for the hospital (after expenses).
There were 17 teams confirmed as of Dec. 18, but many people sign up late and register on New Year’s Day, Justice said.
“We are hopeful that more will join us, especially with New Year’s Day falling on a Friday this year,” she said. “It’s a big beach so there is no cap to how many people can participate. The more the merrier, for sure.”
Besides knowing that it’s all for a good cause, swimmers will have other incentives. Participants who raise $25 will receive a T-shirt, baseball hat or penguin lunch box. Swimmers who collect $50 can choose from pint glasses, a novelty hat or fleece mitten scarf.
Those reaching $100 will take home a duffel bag, long sleeve shirt or drink tumbler. Swimmers who donate $150 will have the option of a fleece blanket, sweatshirt or robe. A windbreaker jacket will be given to participants reaching $250, and anyone raising $500 or more will be able to choose one prize from each level, Justice said.
The top three donors from each category, which includes individuals and adults, teams, businesses, community groups and 18 and under, will be awarded trophies and prizes. There will be a best costume contest and special recognition will be given to the oldest and youngest penguins.
For the third year, participants who will be out of town on New Year’s Day can engage in a “virtual swim.” These penguins still raise money and register online, but must take a photo of their dip wherever they are and post it to social media sites. The photos will be shared during the event through a live feed. To show out-of-town photos on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, use the hashtag #OCPenguinSwim.
Registration and check-in for the 2015 Penguin Swim starts at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan.1, at the Princess Royale Hotel on 91st Street, with the swim taking place at 1 p.m.
It costs $25 per swimmer and each person will receive a 2016 Penguin Swim T-shirt.
An award ceremony will follow the swim inside the Princess Royale atrium and there will be carnival games including frog hop, hoop shoot, football toss and ice corn hole. In addition, winners can pull a prize from a melting prize tree, Justice said.
To sign up for the 2015 Penguin Swim or to make a donation, visit aghpenguinswim.org. The event can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/penguinswim or call the hospital foundation office with questions at 410-641-9671.
Organizers are always looking for sponsors and checks can be made out to the AGH Foundation and mailed to: 9733 Healthway Drive Berlin, Md. 21811.
For more information on event sponsorship opportunities, call 410-641-9671 or email ajustice@atlanticgeneral.org.
Proceeds from the event support strategic plans started by Atlantic General Hospital and back its mission to improve individual and community health.
The hospital has been providing health care to residents of Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset counties in Maryland as well as Sussex County, Del., since May 1993. Since its inception, the Penguin Swim has raised more than $800,000 for the hospital.
“This event supports your local, not-for-profit hospital,” AGH Event Coordinator Alli Justice said. “It’s a bucket list kind-of-thing. We’ve grown the event exponentially and have added even more fun for the entire family.”
There will be carnival games, girls dressed as mermaids, a costume contest, live entertainment by Harry O, a trick pony, ice art and games.
“Erik Cantine is back again on Jan. 1 and plans to craft not one, but a few, ice art displays for us to enjoy at the event,” Justice said.
In 2015, about 850 people plunged into the surf for the swim and raised more than $79,000 for the hospital (after expenses).
There were 17 teams confirmed as of Dec. 18, but many people sign up late and register on New Year’s Day, Justice said.
“We are hopeful that more will join us, especially with New Year’s Day falling on a Friday this year,” she said. “It’s a big beach so there is no cap to how many people can participate. The more the merrier, for sure.”
Besides knowing that it’s all for a good cause, swimmers will have other incentives. Participants who raise $25 will receive a T-shirt, baseball hat or penguin lunch box. Swimmers who collect $50 can choose from pint glasses, a novelty hat or fleece mitten scarf.
Those reaching $100 will take home a duffel bag, long sleeve shirt or drink tumbler. Swimmers who donate $150 will have the option of a fleece blanket, sweatshirt or robe. A windbreaker jacket will be given to participants reaching $250, and anyone raising $500 or more will be able to choose one prize from each level, Justice said.
The top three donors from each category, which includes individuals and adults, teams, businesses, community groups and 18 and under, will be awarded trophies and prizes. There will be a best costume contest and special recognition will be given to the oldest and youngest penguins.
For the third year, participants who will be out of town on New Year’s Day can engage in a “virtual swim.” These penguins still raise money and register online, but must take a photo of their dip wherever they are and post it to social media sites. The photos will be shared during the event through a live feed. To show out-of-town photos on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, use the hashtag #OCPenguinSwim.
Registration and check-in for the 2015 Penguin Swim starts at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan.1, at the Princess Royale Hotel on 91st Street, with the swim taking place at 1 p.m.
It costs $25 per swimmer and each person will receive a 2016 Penguin Swim T-shirt.
An award ceremony will follow the swim inside the Princess Royale atrium and there will be carnival games including frog hop, hoop shoot, football toss and ice corn hole. In addition, winners can pull a prize from a melting prize tree, Justice said.
To sign up for the 2015 Penguin Swim or to make a donation, visit aghpenguinswim.org. The event can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/penguinswim or call the hospital foundation office with questions at 410-641-9671.
Organizers are always looking for sponsors and checks can be made out to the AGH Foundation and mailed to: 9733 Healthway Drive Berlin, Md. 21811.
For more information on event sponsorship opportunities, call 410-641-9671 or email ajustice@atlanticgeneral.org.
Proceeds from the event support strategic plans started by Atlantic General Hospital and back its mission to improve individual and community health.
The hospital has been providing health care to residents of Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset counties in Maryland as well as Sussex County, Del., since May 1993. Since its inception, the Penguin Swim has raised more than $800,000 for the hospital.