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14th Annual Hooley Plunge set for March 3rd

February 7th, 2018 by WCBC Radio

Fourteen years ago, several brave souls took to the frigid waters of Lake Habeeb at Rocky Gap State Park and kicked off what has become a March tradition in Allegany County – the Hooley Plunge.  Now in its fourteenth year, the Hooley Plunge has become the largest single day fundraising event in the county, raising money for the Special Olympics of Allegany County and several other local programs for the developmentally disabled. 2017 saw over 600 partipants take the Plunge and raise over $168,000. This year, the Hooley Plunge is scheduled for Saturday, March 3 at 1 pm. Members of the Alhambra Wamba Caravan #89 with Alhambra members Murray Gornall and Rob Adams as co-chairmen coordinate the Hooley Plunge.

 

“Go jump in a lake has taken on a totally different meaning,” commented Gornall. “It’s a good thing. Every year, we see more and more people of all ages come out to the Plunge. They either take the Plunge or come out to cheer on their friends, business associates, and family members. It’s become a community tradition and it’s great to see everyone come together for a great cause. We see senior citizens, school kids, entire school teams, organizations and businesses all coming together, having a great time, and doing something incredible for those in our community that are developmentally disabled. It makes me proud of this community.”

 

Organizations like the Rotary Club of Cumberland have supported the event since its inception. Corporate sponsors include Western Maryland Distributors, Western Maryland Dermatology, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Sheetz Convenience Stores, Rocky Gap Casino and Resort, Hunter Douglas, Adams Funeral Home, Orbital ATK, US Cellular, 1812 Brewery, and Progressive Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation.

 

The Hooley Plunge fully funds the entire annual budget for the Special Olympics of Allegany County. Other programs recipients include the Allegany County Board of Education Inclusion Sports programs and the SLE Programs at Cash Valley Elementary, Fort Hill High School, and Mountain Ridge High School, and the Career Center; the Board of Ed’s Transition program with Allegany College of Maryland; as well as, programs at Bishop Walsh School and Calvary Christian School. Funds also support Boy Scout Troop #89, Friends Aware Social Committee, a scholarship for a local student majoring in a program in special education at Frostburg State University, FSU Best Buddies program, and Service Coordination, Inc.

 

The Hooley Plunge weekend kicks off on Friday, March 2, 8 – 11 pm at Rocky Gap Casino and Resort’s Pre-Plunge Party featuring music by Time Flies. The Pre-Plunge Party is held in the Allegheny Room at Rocky Gap.

 

Following the Hooley Plunge on Saturday, 1812 Brewery is hosting a Post-Plunge Party with the Shanty Irish performing beginning at 3 pm. There is a $5 cover fee for the event, which will be donated to the Hooley Plunge.

 

On-site registration for the Hooley Plunge begins at 10 am on Saturday, March 3 and the Plunge is scheduled for 1 pm. Plungers and spectators are encouraged to arrive early so there is no traffic back up. For more information or to register for the Plunge, visit www.hooleyplunge.com or Hooley Plunge on Facebook or call 301-724-2453.

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