News & Press

Dip for dollars Plunge benefits Special Olympics
By Matthew Bruun, Worcester Telegram & Gazette
February 04, 2007

WORCESTER— With his Hawaiian shirt, goofy sunglasses and shorts, Bruce Hopper barely seemed out of place on the snow-covered shore of Indian Lake yesterday. Even his friend, Ed Sullivan, wearing a grass skirt and a T-shirt emblazoned with “Polar Express,” barely drew a second glance.

All eyes were on the lake, where firefighters had cut through 8 inches of ice to create an impromptu swimming hole and where dozens of people had signed up to take a 35-degree dip.

The “Passion Plunge” on Indian Lake raised thousands of dollars for Special Olympics Massachusetts and left an exuberant crowd with cold toes and warm hearts. It was the first freshwater fundraiser for Special Olympics, which also held a plunge at Nantasket Beach in Hull yesterday. Another plunge is slated for Revere Beach on Saturday.

Mr. Hopper was one of several representatives of the Auburn Rocketeers, a Special Olympics swimming team that includes his daughter, Lauren. The plungers blew plastic horns and chanted “We’re not cold!” as they prepared to dive.

“If you can be silly and raise money at the same time, that’s even better,” Mr. Hopper said.

The eight-member Rocketeers contingent — which collectively raised $3,450 — also included first-timer Rob Grenier of Northboro, who took part on behalf of his 12-year-old son, Bryce, who cheered on his dad.

“I told my wife to make sure they have a life insurance policy ready,” he said.

Some plungers dived headfirst into the water; others preferred cannonballs. In all, according to organizers, 63 people took the plunge.

Among the first in was District 5 City Councilor Frederick C. Rushton, who assembled a six-member team in honor of his 2-year-old son, Liam, who has Down syndrome.

“Lucky Liam and the Passion Plungers” raised more than $2,000, the councilor said.

“Worcester has a huge heart,” Mr. Rushton said. “It proved itself again today.”

City Manager Michael V. O’Brien was part of Mr. Rushton’s team and was the second person in the water yesterday; Worcester Sharks coach Roy Sommer preceded him by seconds.

Mr. O’Brien said he hopes the plunge becomes an annual event.

The city manager said Worcester is looking forward to the Special Olympics Massachusetts Winter Games being held here March 2-4.

Cheerleaders for the New England Surge were among the participants yesterday. Ashley Haller of Chicopee, who, like colleagues Casey DeChristopher of Middleboro and Krystie Withee of Westboro wore a bikini for the jump, said she was scared before plunging, but afterward said it wasn’t as bad as she had feared.

Keeping watch on the divers all afternoon were members of the Fire Department dive-rescue team, who donated their time.

To end the day, dive team members Jon Davies, John Franco, Charles Rogacz and Robert Mansfield doffed their gear and jumped in the water, turning in $300 they had raised for the cause.

“We’re very happy, very pleased,” Special Olympics Massachusetts Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Jon Wright said at day’s end. “The Worcester community has really gotten together in really supporting this event.”