Charity holiday plunge once again a great success, thanks to community
.jpg "Dana Rothgery, a manager at Clancy's Irish Pub on Cortez Road in Bradenton, shows off her swimsuit after the eighth annual Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge. MEGHIN DELANEY / BRADENTON HERALD")
Generosity gives us the shivers.
On behalf of the Shamrock Shiver Committee, I express our humble gratitude to the Herald for the continued support you give to our annual charity plunge for at-risk children.
The "Give Where You Live" philosophy of the Bradenton-area communities has enabled us to exceed our $25,000 goal, making our eight-year total close to $170,000 (donations are still trickling in). As reported, Caring For Children Charities, d/b/a Florida Winefest and Auction, will distribute these funds via their grant program.
Because the Shiver event is run totally by volunteers and all goods and services are donated, truly 100 percent of the proceeds go to local charities. This is a rare phenomenon in fundraising and a wonderful motivation for giving.
The other great motivator for the Shiver is that it is just plain silly fun. What a great way to start the New Year. Blessed with a great beach day, over 100 participants ran into the Gulf, many in costume, for the "cause that refreshes." Despite limited space due to jetty reconstruction, we continue to expand in number and enthusiasm.
Special thanks, as always, to our generous sponsor, Clancy's Irish Sports Pub. Rayma Stowe, Dana Rothgery and Clancy's staff never let us down. Likewise, many thanks go to Jan Credele, our liaison with Florida Winefest.
Above all, most sincere kudos to the local businesses, volunteers and plungers for their heartwarming generosity. You give the gift that truly keeps on giving.
Best wishes to al for a happy, healthy 2016.
Liza Gorin, volunteer, Shamrock Shiver Committee Bradenton
This story was originally published January 14, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Charity holiday plunge once again a great success, thanks to community ."