Dozens Expected to Take Part in 9th Annual Penguin Plunge, Raising Thousands for Clarksburg Mission
By Julie Perine on February 14, 2017 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
Jumping into a lake in February is brutal. Though most would imagine that to be so, Chris Mullett knows it for a fact.
On Feb. 25, Mullett will take the plunge, his eighth in the history of the event, an annual fundraiser for the Clarksburg Mission for which he serves as executive director.
“I've done it eight times simply as a reminder of the horrors of homelessness,” he said. “So, for the 10 seconds you're in the water, it's absolutely miserable, but the rest of the event is great fun and great food.”
The 9th Annual Penguin Plunge: Splashin' for Compassion will be held at Maple Lake and it is hoped that last year’s proceeds of $6,000 will be exceeded, as will the 25 jumpers who participated.
“We’d love to exceed both of those numbers this year,” Mullett said.
In addition to the money raised – which is used toward the Mission’s regular operating budget – the Penguin Plunge is a good way to raise awareness of the facility’s ongoing mission to house, feed and rehabilitate those in need.
“There’s so much attention around Thanksgiving and Christmas so by doing the Penguin Plunge after the first of the year, it’s our way of saying that we’re still here and we’re still doing it. People are still homeless and hungry all year long,” Mullett said. “This event helps us to be able to tell our story.”
There is a $20 registration fee for each jumper – or each jump.
“You can pay the $20 again and jump as many times as you want,” Mullett said.
All registered jumpers will receive an event T-shirt.
Mullett encourages individuals to get on board by registering to jump, financially sponsoring other jumpers or coming out to the event and supporting those taking part.
Registration is 11 a.m. Feb. 25 at the Maple Lake Clubhouse. Jumping will take place at noon and a meal, prepared by Bikers for Christ, will be served at 12:30 p.m.
Call the Clarksburg Mission 304-622-2451 to register or to obtain more information.
Editor's Note: Photo shows spectators at a previous Penguin Plunge for the Clarksburg Mission.
