CUMBERLAND — Now in its 22nd year, the Hooley Plunge has become the largest single-day fundraising event in Allegany County.
Scheduled for March 7 at Rocky Gap State Park’s Lake Habeeb, hundreds of brave souls run into the cold water to raise money for local programs supporting those with developmental disabilities.
Over $2.2 million has been raised for local programs since the plunge’s inception. The Hooley Plunge is coordinated by the Alhambra Wamba Caravan No. 89 and is co-chaired by Alhambra members Jim Stafford and Drew Farrell.
The Hooley Plunge fully funds the Special Olympics of Allegany County, which includes girls’ and boys’ basketball, softball, co-ed pickleball and bowling teams.
The funds raised at the plunge benefit numerous local programs and organizations, including the Allegany County Board of Education Unified Sports and Structural Living Environment Classes programs at 10 Allegany County public schools; two scholarships — one at Frostburg State University and one at Allegany College of Maryland designated for a student from Allegany County, the Bishop Walsh Pratt Program, Boy Scout Troop No. 89, Friends Aware, Calvary Christian School, Council for Exceptional Children & Adults, Children’s Adaptive Sports League, Transition Program at Allegany College of Maryland and the Sean and Terri McCagh Community Trust Fund.
The Hooley Plunge was the inspiration of the late Dr. Sean McCagh. It began as a fundraiser for the ice rink at the YMCA. When the Y closed its rink, McCagh followed his own advice, “Make It Personal.”
McCagh’s nephew, Brian, is developmentally disabled and he realized how important these local programs are for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. He was a member of the Alhambra Wamba Caravan, which has made helping individuals with developmental disabilities an important part of its mission. He enlisted their support and manpower for the Hooley Plunge.
“The plunge is a reflection of how generous and supportive our community is. Not only do we have hundreds of plungers who come out, but their friends, business associates, and family members come out and cheer them on,” Stafford said. “It makes me proud to be part of this community. This year, we have seen more local companies and organizations join us as sponsors. It truly is inspiring.”
Corporate sponsors include the Doug and Betsey Schwab Foundation, Barrelville Outdoor Club, Rocky Gap Casino Resort and Golf, WebstaurantStores, Western Maryland Distributing, Chessie Federal Credit Union, the Rotary Club of Cumberland and many more local businesses and organizations. Western Maryland Outdoor Power will hold a raffle for a new Cub Cadet riding mower.
On-site registration for the plunge begins at 10 a.m. March 7 and plungers take to the frigid water at 1 p.m.
For more information or to register for the plunge, visit www.hooleyplunge.com or https://www.facebook.com/hooleyplunge.
Following the plunge, 1812 Brewery will host a Post Hooley Plunge Party with music by Times Flies. There is a $5 donation.
New events this year include the Hooley Hustle — a five-mile walk/run that begins and ends at 1812 Brewery and is being organized by the McCagh Family in honor of Sean McCagh — which will be held on Feb. 28 at 1 p.m.
Also on Feb. 28, DJ Rob Zembower will host a Back to the 90s Party from 7 to 10 p.m. at Loft 129 with music from the 1990s — hip hop, R&B, grunge, pop punk and boy bands. A $5 donation will benefit the plunge.