From 12n-2p, volunteers will brave the chilly Hudson to benefit local children with serious illnesses. All funds raised will go to cover medical expenses not covered by their families’ insurance.
This year’s two beneficiaries hail from Orangetown, NY and Ridgewood, NJ. Five year-old Tyler Tobin received a bone marrow transplant last November and continues treatment for a bone disorder. The second honoree, 12 year-old Haley Tyrrell, faces the exorbitant cost of prosthetic leg after a tumor required amputation of her limb.
Organizers have lots of freezin’ fun and food planned for the Sunday event. There will be live music from Blarney Stew band featuring songs by Samantha Quinn, a talented young local singer. Clowns will bring smiles to chilly faces and Strongman Steve Exstance will perform amazing feats of strength including pulling a fire truck with his teeth. There will also be a raffle for four house seats to see Wicked on Broadway, a baseball signed by Mariano Rivera, a hockey stick signed by Mike Richter, a personalized walking tour of Manhattan for up to a dozen friends, and VIP tickets for late night TV entertainers Jimmy Fallon and David Letterman.
The Penguin Plunge is free and open to the public — but donations are welcome. “Even if you don’t take the plunge, it is fun just to come down and support those who do,” says organizer Barbara Noyes. “There is no admission charge, just a lot of warm hearts!” she says. For more information, visit www.penguinplungeny.com
See also: Journal News, 2/14/2011