Not too many people are wild about jumping into the Atlantic Ocean in the middle of February, but fortunately for HARC, an organization serving people with intellectual disability and their families in the Greater Hartford area, there are a number of people willing to do just that.
Harc Penguin Plungers Michael Jones and Mike Morrissey
On Sunday, February 17, 2013 (Rescheduled to Sunday, March 10, 2013) Harc’s Team Charless will be making the plunge at Ocean Beach Park in New London at 12:00 noon, to raise funds for Special Olympics CT and Harc’s Unified Special Olympic Teams in floor hockey, soccer, basketball and softball.
According to Michael Jones, the Team Charless veteran, “I’ve been doing this since 1998, and it’s great to see new people interested in joining the team.” Jones earned the title of “Emperor Penguin” in 2004 as the team member raising the most money. According to Mike Morrissey whose 2013 plunge will be his fourth, “Individual teams are able to get half the amount they raise and the other half goes to Special Olympics CT. These funds really help out with purchase of equipment and registration fees for our teams.”
Team Charless was named for a beloved Harc staff member who passed away several years ago. This year Team Charless members will be selling paper penguins for $1 each.
Greg Thibodeau, Respite Provider at Harc, who is also on Harc’s 2013 Team Charless says “The team really appreciates having a cheering squad and it’s a great way to participate and show your support without having to jump in the ocean.” Being there without being in there! Once again: Ocean Beach Park, New London. While the Plunge is at 12:00 noon, it’s a good idea to get there by 11:30.