South Burlington, VT – February 13, 2025 – The thirtieth Annual Penguin Plunge introduced by Group Financial institution, which passed off on Saturday, February eighth on the Burlington Waterfront Boat Launch, was a convincing success, elevating over $550,000 for Particular Olympics Vermont. Greater than 1,000 courageous members took the icy plunge into the frigid waters of Lake Champlain, exhibiting their unwavering assist for over 2,900 athletes with mental and developmental disabilities (IDD) throughout the state of Vermont.
The occasion marked a significant milestone for the Penguin Plunge, because it celebrated three a long time of plunging for a trigger that has impacted hundreds of lives throughout Vermont. The funds raised will go instantly towards supporting Particular Olympics Vermont’s year-round sports activities coaching and competitors applications, offering athletes with the chance to develop bodily health, expertise pleasure, and take part in a world group of inclusion.
“The Penguin Plunge is a testomony to the unbelievable group that stands behind Particular Olympics Vermont—from our fearless plungers to our beneficiant sponsors and devoted volunteers. The eagerness and dedication are the center of this occasion, guaranteeing that our athletes can expertise the enjoyment of sport and the facility of inclusion all 12 months lengthy. Collectively, we’re constructing a stronger, extra unified Vermont.”
Sarah McCaffrey, President and CEO of Particular Olympics Vermont
Members from all walks of life joined within the enjoyable, with group members, faculties, and native companies coming collectively to make the leap. Some plungers have participated for many years, persevering with a cherished custom, whereas others braved the chilly for the primary time—but all plunged with the identical function of their hearts.
Particular Olympics Vermont extends its deepest gratitude to all of the members, sponsors, and volunteers who made this occasion doable. Their contributions be sure that athletes with mental disabilities will proceed to have entry to the applications they should thrive.
The Penguin Plunge is Particular Olympics Vermont’s largest annual fundraiser, and this 12 months’s success will proceed to assist promote inclusion and create life-changing experiences for Particular Olympics Vermont athletes.
The Penguin Plunge wouldn’t have been doable with out the assist of our many companions: Presenting Associate Group Financial institution; Platinum Companions 4T2D, Johnson Woolen Mills, and Lodge Champlain; Gold Associate GlobalFoundries; Silver Companions Myer’s Bagels, Northfield Financial savings Financial institution, Peggy & John Day, Vermont Federal Credit score Union, and the Workplace of the Vermont State Treasurer; Bronze Companions Acrisure, Bazin Brothers Trucking Inc., Darn Robust Vermont, Foam Brewers, Nationwide Life Group, NBT Financial institution, Pete’s RV Heart, Tech Group, and UVM Well being Community. We’re additionally grateful for our unbelievable Media Companions WCAX, 95 Triple X, 101-3 The Wolf, WVMT, STAR 92.9, and the Media Manufacturing facility who produced an thrilling stay present for everybody to look at at house. Lastly, Particular Olympics Vermont is appreciative of Vermont Tent Firm, Bourne’s Vitality, Myers Container Providers Corp, SD Eire Development, Burlington Telecom, Burlington Parks & Recreation Division, the Burlington Fireplace Division, the U.S. Coast Guard Station – Burlington, the Norwich College Cadets, Finest Purchase, Tech Group VT and numerous volunteers who make this occasion doable yearly by way of offering time, power, in-kind donations, and extra.
