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Hooley Plunge set for March 7th

February 7th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

Now in its sixteenth year, the Hooley Plunge is the largest single day fundraising event in Allegany County. Scheduled for Saturday, March 7, hundreds of brave souls run into the freezing waters of Lake Habeeb at Rocky Gap State Park to raise money for the Special Olympics of Allegany County and other local programs benefitting the developmentally disabled. Since the Hooley Plunge inception, over 1.4 million dollars has been raised. The Hooley Plunge is coordinated by the Alhambra Wamba Caravan #89 and is co-chaired this year by Alhambra member Rob Adams along with Stephen Gray.

“Go Bold. Go Cold,” joked Adams. “The Hooley Plunge brings a whole new meaning to that old saying – Go jump in a lake. It’s actually inspiring to see so many people of all ages come out to the Plunge. It’s a true community event. Not only do the hundreds of Plungers come out but their friends, business associates and family members come out and cheer them on. We see kids from all the schools, senior citizens, entire school and sports teams, organizations and businesses coming together, having a great time and doing something special for those in our local community that are developmentally disabled. It makes me proud to be part of this community.”

“Money raised at the Hooley Plunge goes directly to support local programs, helping people that live right here in our community, and that’s important,” commented Gray. The Hooley Plunge fully funds the Special Olympics of Allegany County. The other programs benefitting from the annual fundraiser 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, as well as, the Career Center; the Board of Education’s Transition program with Allegany College of Maryland. Other recipients include Bishop Walsh School and Calvary Christian School, Boy Scout Troop #89, Friends Aware Social Committee, Service Coordination, Inc., Ray of Hope, Frostburg State University through an annual scholarship for a local student.

Rocky Gap Casino Resort will hold its Friday night Pre-Hooley Party in the Allegheny Room on Friday, March 6 from 8 -11 pm. Local musicians, The BlaZe will perform at the party. The event is free and open to the public.

Following the Hooley Plunge on Saturday, 1812 Brewery will be hosting a Post-Plunge Party with the Jack Dunlap Band from Winchester kicking off at 3 pm and playing a mix of Irish and Bluegrass tunes. Chef Paul’s Kitchen food trucks will be at the brewery during the party. There is a $5 cover fee for the event, which will go directly to the Hooley Plunge.

On-site registration for the Hooley Plunge will begin at 10 am on Saturday, March 7 and the Plunge will take place at 1 pm. Plungers and spectators are encouraged to arrive early so there is no traffic backup. For more information or to register for the Plunge, visit www.hoolyplunge.com or Hooley Plunge on Facebook or call 301-724-2453.

 

 

 

 

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