It’s that time again – the heart of
winter, when we do one of the most outrageously fun things of all to help
family pets with catastrophic veterinary needs.
We create a team (because who would be crazy enough to do this alone)
and we head into the icy waters of the Quemahoning Reservoir in Holsopple on
February 11. No, we’re not nuts – we’re freezin’
for a reason: the 2017 Chillin’ for Charity.
There’s more to the day than just
taking that icy dip. Over the three
years that Ethel has attended, we’ve seen the event grow into an incredible
winter festival and arctic splash that takes “frozen” to a whole new
level. The organizers and participants
work to raise awareness and financial support for local charities, including
the Ethel Fund.
From providing nutritious meals to
children in need over the weekends, to rescuing animals, providing medical care
to both humans and pets, and improving a playground, you’re sure to find a
charity that you want to support. All funds
raised are kept locally and impact Somerset and Cambria Counties. By braving the cold to support one (or all)
of these organizations, you will be warming the hearts of those in need.
The day begins at 9:00am, with
food, music, bonfires, and contests.
Registration begins at 10:00am and we take the Arctic Splash at
1:00pm. Participants have always made
the most of this day, with many of them dressing in costume. Besides the traditional prizes, this year,
organizers will be crowning one of the costumed guests the Ice Princess –
complete with sash, crown, and photo ops.
Anyone can participate though, if
you’re under 18, you’ll need a parent’s signature. Local EMS will be present and Swift-Water
Rescue will be in the water from the moment the first toe breaks the surface
until the last participant hits the warming tents to change. Spectators are also welcome but parking at
the beach is reserved for those going into the Que. Shuttles will run every 30 from the North
American Hoganas plant, where parking is free.
Ethel and I will be at the event,
though she won’t be joining me in the water.
I’d like to invite each and every one of you to join our team by
visiting https://www.classy.org/campaign/the-ethel-fund-is-chillin-for-charity/c95943
and clicking on “Join a Team.” You may help one of the individual recipients by
joining their team (all money raised by the team goes to the medical bills of
that animal) or support the Fund as a whole by joining Ethel’s Frozen
Friends. 100% of the funds raised by
this team will be used to provide assistance to family pets with catastrophic
veterinary needs, offer sanctuary to the pets of women escaping domestic abuse,
and facilitate the pairing of service dogs to people with disabilities.
If you’d like to join in the fun,
but can’t bring yourself to take the plunge, don’t worry there are no Plunge
Police. You are more than welcome – this
day is about community, fun, and fundraising and anyone raising at least $50
will receive a commemorative gift. So,
whether you’ll be heading into the water, cheering us on from the shore, or
making a donation online, or just spreading the word, we at the Ethel Fund say
‘Thank you!’
Rebecca is the President & Executive Director of The Ethel Fund
Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to changing animals' lives by
providing assistance in times of catastrophic veterinary need. To learn
more, please visit http://www.ethelfund.org or https://www.facebook.com/TheEthelFund.
You may contact Rebecca at rslindeman@ethelfund.org.
Phil Balko is
the proprietor of Photography by Balko and donates his talents to the Ethel
Fund Inc. as well as other community organizations. To see more of his work, visit http://philipbalko.com/.
You may contact Phil at inquiry@philipbalko.com.
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