MONROE, Conn. — Temperatures stayed in the 30s on a cold Saturday morning, making the waters of Great Hollow Lake particularly frigid for this year’s Penguin Plunge. Close to 140 participants stripped down to their bathing suits, before running into the lake for the Monroe Police Department’s fundraiser for Special Olympics Connecticut.
Police Sgt. Todd Keeping, who organized the event, recalled how much warmer the weather was for past plunges.
“It’s perfect,” he said of Saturday’s colder weather. “I like it. This is the way it should be. It’s a Penguin Plunge.”
Prior to participants bravely taking the plunge, Taryn Barrett, associate director of special events for Special Olympics Connecticut, was among the crowd gathered under the Pavilion at Great Hollow Lake, where deejay, Jason Maur, who is a Monroe Town Council member, played music, sweatshirts were sold, and police officers grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, which added to a large spread of food.
“We’re here for the Monroe Penguin Plunge to benefit over 14,000 athletes and Unified partners throughout the state of Connecticut,” Barrett said. “I think today’s turnout is phenomenal. It’s definitely a party and it will be a great afternoon.”
Barrett said other plunges around the state do not offer as much free food as Monroe’s event. Keeping expressed his gratitude to Newtown Savings Bank, a sponsor whose employees volunteer at the registration table every year, as well as to local eateries for donating the food.
Jennie’s Pizzeria donated pizza pies, Macdaddy’s made macaroni and cheese, Jersey Mike’s prepared subs, soups came from Soup Thyme and the Dunkin’ Donuts on Main Street (across from Duchess) donated coffee and hot chocolate. Keeping said the hot dogs and hamburgers were provided by Special Olympics Connecticut.
The Stepney Volunteer Fire Department donated its grill and had two firefighters go into the water in wetsuits to ensure everyone’s safety and Monroe Volunteer Emergency Medical Service members were on standby.
Keeping gave a special shoutout to Carrubba Inc., a Monroe business, for its generous financial donation.
The Monroe Police Department, which was the third biggest fundraiser among area police departments for the Special Olympics last year and has been first overall in the past, has already raised between $40,000 and $50,000 this year, according to Keeping. The Penguin Plunge is one of several fundraising events by Monroe officers.
In addition to food, music and the main event, a police K-9 demonstration was given by Sgt. Michael DeCarli and his dog, Riggs, and Officer Mike Frizinia, who wore a bite suit and posed as a “bad guy” that Riggs had to chase and take down to the ground in front of a cheering crowd.
“It’s always great what the police department does every year,” said First Selectman Terry Rooney, who was among the town officials who came to the event.
Gallery 1
Gallery 2
All respectful comments with the commenter’s first and last name are welcome.
