Creating Passionate Supporters...

Posted by: Tom Beach, Executive Director & Vice President of The Toolbox, Inc.

Polar Plunge into Quincy Harbor for Interfaith Services

Sometimes Takes a Crazy Event

Most organizations are trying to enlist loyal passionate supporters. To help build a strong following sometimes it just takes a crazy event like this polar plunge.

Hundreds of South Shore residents to brave icy January water to support hungry families

On Saturday January 16th at 11:30am the Quincy Beaches and Coastal Commission will host the 4th Annual John Hancock Birthday Plunge at Wollaston Beach in Quincy. Hundreds of South Shore residents will gather for a Wintry Plunge to benefit Interfaith Social Services.

Quincy, MA – December 15, 2009 – Why are there hundreds of people swimming at Wollaston beach on January 16th? To raise money for a local charity of course. For the past four years the Quincy Beaches and Coastal Commission has celebrated John Hancock’s Birthday by inviting local residents to take part in the John Hancock Plunge. All of the “Plungers” gather pledges from their friends and family to support Interfaith Social Services. Interfaith offers food, counseling, and assistance to needy South Shore residents. Last year their food pantry distributed over 350,000 lbs. of food to impoverished families. “We are so grateful for socially conscience groups like The Quincy Beaches and Coastal Commission, as well as all of the plungers that participate in this event,” said Interfaith’s Executive Director Rick Doane. “We are in the midst of the most difficult economic upheaval of this generation. Every day we see record numbers of people coming to ISS for assistance. Only with support from caring individuals can we hope to meet the current demand for services. Our programs are dependent on this type of dedication from the community. The fact that our volunteers and supporters are willing to brave these icy waters for this cause shows how dedicated they truly are.”

The Plunge is Quincy Beaches and Coastal Commission’s tribute to John Hancock, the first signer of the Declaration of Independence, prominent Patriot, and former resident of Quincy, MA. It is a fun event with prizes to be awarded in the following categories: Most money raised, Most unusual “get-up” as well as Oldest and youngest participants.

You don’t have to go into the water to gather pledges, plunge participation categories include: Full Plunger, Waist Wader, Knee Higher, Dunking Toe-Nut, and Geez – I Would If I Could.

If you would like participate in this event please visit www.interfaithsocialservices.org to download a pledge form or donate online. All are invited to come and support the “plungers” on January 16th at 11:30 on Wollaston Beach.

This event is brought to you by the Quincy Beaches and Coastal Commission, Friends of Wollaston Beach, and The Department of Conservation and Recreation.