12th Annual Penguin Swim is a Success

Berlin, Md. -- Hundreds of penguins and Atlantic General Hospital supporters headed for the sand and surf on a not-so-balmy afternoon for the 12th Annual Penguin Swim in Ocean City on New Year’s Day. This year’s swim was a success, raising approximately $59,000 for the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation and highlighting the community’s support of their hospital.

Swimmers came from as far away as Pennsylvania, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Virginia and as near as just down the block. While recognizing everyone for their efforts, the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation presented awards to the oldest swimmers, Richard Zimmerman of Ocean City and Want Gardner of Havertown, Pa., and the youngest swimmer, Elizabeth Walker of Hamilton, Pa., who was just two years old.

The individual penguins to raise the most money were M. Robert Clark, of Ocean City, Md., third place with $325.00; Carrie Hall, of Selbyville, Del., second place with $620.00; and Woody “Butch”German, of Baltimore, Md., first place with $1,325.00 raised.

The winning teams were Team AGH, third place with $6,200.00; Ocean City Parrotheads, second place with $8,205.00; and Bull on the Beach, first place with $31,000.00 raised. The hospital credits the Bull on the Beach owners, staff, friends and supporters with the annual increased success of the event. “Each year they increase their team goal,” said event organizers, “and they make it fun!”.