Lake Champlain has not frozen over and the current temperature is a balmy 38 degrees! It probably won’t get any warmer as 1000 plus individuals take the “Penguin Plunge” to help raise money for Special Olympics Vermont on February 6th. This is one of the top fund raisers for the organization bringing in over $410,000 for Special Olympics Vermont. This is just under 40% of their operating budget so it’s hugely important for sustaining and growing their programs.
Special Olympics of Vermont is an incredible program that allows individuals of all ages and disabilities to participate in recreational activities. It fosters athletic skills, team work, and independence for all the athletes. Their Young Athlete Program begins at the age of 2 and allows children with and without disabilities to participate in organized sports and develop their skills. It is a remarkable program that gets children interested in being active at a young age.
That being said, the organization rely’s a lot on fundraising to support its programs and the Penguin Plunge is the big event. In order to pull off having 1000 plus “plungers” it requires a lot of preparation and most importantly, volunteers. Volunteers is what makes this event occur. In fact, about 180 volunteers will help SOVT pull together a fun and safe event. This includes about 90 volunteers Cadets from Norwich University. Without them the plunge probably wouldn’t be able to occur. Whether they are stuffing goody bags, monitoring the warming tents, or setting up at the Burlington Waterfront Park, the organization is dependent on the people from the community to help out.
So there I was on Martin Luther King Day with three staff members and over 10 volunteers waiting to stuff 1200 goody bags for the Penguin Plunge. The staff members were welcoming, friendly, and very organized which made the process of filling bags efficient. Four of us willingly started moving the snow fences, post for the fences, and bins of miscellaneous items that would be needed for the event while the other group stuffed and counted bags.
What was so amazing was the number of kids who showed up to help. There were about 6 kids that decided to use their day off of school to volunteer a few hours to make a difference. There was small chatter, laughing, and smiles as everyone worked together to accomplish a task. One father brought his two young daughters to help out. He has been doing the Penguin Plunge for 12 years! It is the adults that teach their children that no matter how busy or stressful life can be, its important to make time and give back to your community.
If you want to bundle up and see an incredible site, head down to the Burlington Waterfront Park on February 6th. You will see a 1000 plus people of all different ages and some crazy outfits running into the frigid water of Lake Champlain. They are doing it help Special Olympics of Vermont continue its amazing programs for kids and adults with all types of disabilities.
Just don’t forget about all those other volunteers that were helping out prior to the plunge or the day of the plunge. I will not forget those 6 kids who showed up on their day off from school!
The YAP (Young Athletes Program) will be starting on the same day at Rice Memorial High School. If you know of any children ages 2-7 that want to have a great time please visit: http://www.specialolympicsvermont.org/event/young-athletes-program-rice-high-school-2/.