New Year'S Day Welcomed With A Splash During 19Th Annual Penguin Swim
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Average individuals weren’t the only penguins to jump into the Atlantic
in Ocean City on New Year’s Day. Captain America, Elvis, a Na'vi
clansman, Sherman the Shorebird, a bull and several princesses were also
in attendance at the 19th Annual AGH Penguin Swim.
The conditions weren’t optimal, with an air temperature hovering around 48 degrees and overcast skies, but that didn’t stop the more than 660 participants and countless spectators from enjoying the day. To date, the 19th annual event has raised more than $80,000.
Since its inception, the Penguin Swim has raised upwards of $800,000, with more than $500,000 of that figure collected by top fundraising team Bull on the Beach. But, donations both large and small help the not-for-profit hospital meet its mission. What can’t be quantified is the bonding between hospital and community the event inspires.
“We’re here only because of this community,” said Atlantic General Hospital CEO Michael Franklin, who toweled off after his eighth dip in the ocean this New Year’s Day. “It’s inspiring to be part of a community that cares so much.”
“We are so grateful for the event sponsors, participants and volunteers who ensure this event’s continued success,” said Donna Pellinger, director of development for Atlantic General Hospital. “We’re already looking forward to January 2014 when we celebrate our 20th Annual Penguin Swim!
“And special thanks to our event co-chairs, Patricia Ilczuk-Lavanceau and Sal Fasano. We cannot thank Patricia enough for her four years of leadership and dedication as the Penguin Swim event chair,” Pellinger said.
Top Fundraisers
Individual
1. Craig Kettler (Leesburg, Va.), $3,460
2. Butch “Woody” German (Baltimore, Md.), $2,194
3. Bill Mitchell (Laurel, Md.), $575
Team
1. Bull on the Beach (Ocean City, Md.), $25,000
2. The Parke Penguins (Ocean Pines, Md.), $9,455
3. Ocean City Ravens Roost #44 (Ocean City, Md.), $5,306
Individual – 18 & Under Division
1. Benjamin Kettler (Leesburg, Va.), $380
2. Jacob Shockley (Ocean City, Md.), $250
3. Kara Styron (Joppa, Md.), $150
Team - 18 & Under Division
1. Stephen Decatur High School (Berlin, Md.), $1,804
2. Maryland Tree Service (Davidsonville, Md.), $300
3. Crimson Fireballs (Salisbury, Md.), $250
Prizes were also awarded for the youngest and oldest swimmers and winners of the costume contest.
Youngest Penguin: Lilianna Browning (6 months old)
Oldest Penguin: Sylvia Angstadt (79 years young)
Costume Contest Winners
Best Overall: Butch Lorditch (Reinholds, Pa.)
Most Spirited: Dave Kelley (Alexandria, Va.)
Most Creative: Cy Tertel (Whitehall, Pa.)
Best Little Penguin: Alexis Iovacchini (Salisbury, Md.)
The 19th Annual Penguin Swim was sponsored by Bull on the Beach Restaurants, Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc., the Princess Royale Oceanfront Family Resort & Condominiums, Comcast Spotlight, D3Corp, Dough Roller Restaurants, Town of Ocean City, Ice Artist Erik Cantine and the Casino at Ocean Downs, Direct Media USA, Mark & Kathy Drew, Guerrieri Family Foundation, Service Today, Inc., TR Group, Anonymous, Awareness Home Inspection, LLC, Fisher’s Popcorn – Fenwick, Carl M. Freeman Foundation, Inc., The Kite Loft, Mann Properties, Inc., Hotel Monte Carlo & Suites, Ocean Voyager Motel, Red Sun Custom Apparel, Sunset Grille, Berlin Wal-Mart Supercenter, Blood Bank of Delmarva, Bonfire Restaurant, Ladies Auxiliary Ocean City Elks No. 2645, Patricia Ilczuk-Lavanceau, Mitchell & Associates, Inc., The Penguin Diner, Peninsula Home Care, Planet Maze & Laser Storm, Sun Signs, Inc.
About Atlantic General Hospital
Atlantic General Hospital has been providing quality health care to the residents of Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset (Md.) and Sussex (Del.) Counties since May 1993. Built by the commitment and generosity of a dedicated community, the hospital’s state-of-the-art facility in Berlin, Md. combines old-fashioned personal attention with the latest in technology and services. Atlantic General Health System, its network of more than 25 primary care provider and specialist offices, care for residents and visitors throughout the region. For more information about Atlantic General Hospital, visit www.atlanticgeneral.org.
The conditions weren’t optimal, with an air temperature hovering around 48 degrees and overcast skies, but that didn’t stop the more than 660 participants and countless spectators from enjoying the day. To date, the 19th annual event has raised more than $80,000.
Since its inception, the Penguin Swim has raised upwards of $800,000, with more than $500,000 of that figure collected by top fundraising team Bull on the Beach. But, donations both large and small help the not-for-profit hospital meet its mission. What can’t be quantified is the bonding between hospital and community the event inspires.
“We’re here only because of this community,” said Atlantic General Hospital CEO Michael Franklin, who toweled off after his eighth dip in the ocean this New Year’s Day. “It’s inspiring to be part of a community that cares so much.”
“We are so grateful for the event sponsors, participants and volunteers who ensure this event’s continued success,” said Donna Pellinger, director of development for Atlantic General Hospital. “We’re already looking forward to January 2014 when we celebrate our 20th Annual Penguin Swim!
“And special thanks to our event co-chairs, Patricia Ilczuk-Lavanceau and Sal Fasano. We cannot thank Patricia enough for her four years of leadership and dedication as the Penguin Swim event chair,” Pellinger said.
Top Fundraisers
Individual
1. Craig Kettler (Leesburg, Va.), $3,460
2. Butch “Woody” German (Baltimore, Md.), $2,194
3. Bill Mitchell (Laurel, Md.), $575
Team
1. Bull on the Beach (Ocean City, Md.), $25,000
2. The Parke Penguins (Ocean Pines, Md.), $9,455
3. Ocean City Ravens Roost #44 (Ocean City, Md.), $5,306
Individual – 18 & Under Division
1. Benjamin Kettler (Leesburg, Va.), $380
2. Jacob Shockley (Ocean City, Md.), $250
3. Kara Styron (Joppa, Md.), $150
Team - 18 & Under Division
1. Stephen Decatur High School (Berlin, Md.), $1,804
2. Maryland Tree Service (Davidsonville, Md.), $300
3. Crimson Fireballs (Salisbury, Md.), $250
Prizes were also awarded for the youngest and oldest swimmers and winners of the costume contest.
Youngest Penguin: Lilianna Browning (6 months old)
Oldest Penguin: Sylvia Angstadt (79 years young)
Costume Contest Winners
Best Overall: Butch Lorditch (Reinholds, Pa.)
Most Spirited: Dave Kelley (Alexandria, Va.)
Most Creative: Cy Tertel (Whitehall, Pa.)
Best Little Penguin: Alexis Iovacchini (Salisbury, Md.)
The 19th Annual Penguin Swim was sponsored by Bull on the Beach Restaurants, Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc., the Princess Royale Oceanfront Family Resort & Condominiums, Comcast Spotlight, D3Corp, Dough Roller Restaurants, Town of Ocean City, Ice Artist Erik Cantine and the Casino at Ocean Downs, Direct Media USA, Mark & Kathy Drew, Guerrieri Family Foundation, Service Today, Inc., TR Group, Anonymous, Awareness Home Inspection, LLC, Fisher’s Popcorn – Fenwick, Carl M. Freeman Foundation, Inc., The Kite Loft, Mann Properties, Inc., Hotel Monte Carlo & Suites, Ocean Voyager Motel, Red Sun Custom Apparel, Sunset Grille, Berlin Wal-Mart Supercenter, Blood Bank of Delmarva, Bonfire Restaurant, Ladies Auxiliary Ocean City Elks No. 2645, Patricia Ilczuk-Lavanceau, Mitchell & Associates, Inc., The Penguin Diner, Peninsula Home Care, Planet Maze & Laser Storm, Sun Signs, Inc.
About Atlantic General Hospital
Atlantic General Hospital has been providing quality health care to the residents of Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset (Md.) and Sussex (Del.) Counties since May 1993. Built by the commitment and generosity of a dedicated community, the hospital’s state-of-the-art facility in Berlin, Md. combines old-fashioned personal attention with the latest in technology and services. Atlantic General Health System, its network of more than 25 primary care provider and specialist offices, care for residents and visitors throughout the region. For more information about Atlantic General Hospital, visit www.atlanticgeneral.org.
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