Burge named as honorary starter for Y’s Penguin Plunge
BOOTHBAY REGION YMCA AQUATICS instructors Shane Pennington, far right, and Tim George, announced on Dec. 4 that Sue Burge, second from left, would be the 2015 New Year’s Penguin Plunge starter. Burge, pictured with her granddaughter, Magen, and Sue’s husband, Bill, were among her family members who attended the ceremony designating Burge as the event’s official starter. The Penguin Plunge raises money for the Y’s second grade swim program. BILL PEARSON/Boothbay Register
BOOTHBAY REGION YMCA AQUATICS instructors Shane Pennington, far right, and Tim George, announced on Dec. 4 that Sue Burge, second from left, would be the 2015 New Year’s Penguin Plunge starter. Burge, pictured with her granddaughter, Magen, and Sue’s husband, Bill, were among her family members who attended the ceremony designating Burge as the event’s official starter. The Penguin Plunge raises money for the Y’s second grade swim program. BILL PEARSON/Boothbay Register
Boothbay Harbor resident Sue Burge knows something about raising awareness and funds for a good cause.
Her past efforts in organizing the Set For Success and other community programs through the Boothbay Region Community Resource Council has been recognized by the Boothbay Region YMCA.
The local Y has honored Burge by naming her the official starter for the 2015 New Year’s Day Penguin Plunge.
The event is a fundraiser for the Boothbay Region YMCA second grade swim program.
On Jan. 1, 2015, over two dozen people are expected to plunge into the cold Atlantic Ocean to raise money for the youth swim program. This is the 13th year the Y has sponsored the plunge.
While Burge is a strong supporter of community-minded programs, like the Penguin Plunge, she doesn’t expect to get wet in January like the other 25-40 expected participants.
“I’m not plunging, but I may put in my pinkie toe,” Burge said during a Dec. 4 ceremony held at the Y honoring her as the Penguin Plunge’s official starter.
But the 2015 plunge has a different format, which may result in her entering the water on New Year’s Day.
According to the Y aquatics instructor and Penguin Plunge co-chairman Shane Pennington, the definition of a plunge has changed.
“This year, any part of your body counts as plunge,” Pennington said. “So if all you want to do is stick in your toe, that counts.”
For those willing to participate, there are three ways to raise money for the swim program. Participants can pay $25, plunge and receive a T-shirt; collect $50, plunge and receive a T-shirt; or collect $50 and not plunge, but still receive a T-shirt.
According to Pennington, each of the three seven-week swimming sessions are free to second graders in the Boothbay region.
Burge’s family attended the ceremony. Her husband, Bill Sr., son, Bill Jr., his wife Shelley, and their children Nick and Magen Burge, also attended the event.
This year’s Penguin Plunge has a special meaning for Sue Burge, because granddaughter Magen will participate in the YMCA second grade swim program this winter.
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