30th Annual Penguin Swim: Kicking Off the New Year with a Splash!

(Photo courtesy of Chris Parypa Photography)

On January 1, 2024, nearly one thousand locals and travelers gathered on the beach to take part in a long-standing Eastern Shore tradition: the Atlantic General Hospital Penguin Swim. Participants were excited to ring in the New Year by courageously dashing into the Atlantic Ocean in support of the local not-for-profit hospital and health system.

Minutes before the swim, participants lined up on the shoreline while The Bull on the Beach, the Penguin Swim’s 30-consecutive-year Legacy Sponsor, paraded toward the swim area. As the clock struck 12p.m., all the participants charged into the ocean as spectators cheered them on.

The swimmers regrouped at the Princess Royale to warm up and take part in the award ceremony. Prizes and trophies were awarded to individuals and teams based on various categories such as top fundraisers, youngest penguin, oldest penguin and best costumes.

This year’s Penguin Swim drew more than 900 participants and raised more than $100,000!

“One of the best things about Atlantic General Hospital’s Penguin Swim is that all the funds raised stay right here in our community,” said Steve Green, Atlantic General Hospital Foundation chair. “Not only is it a day full of fun and excitement, but every swimmer and sponsor can pride themselves on the fact that they are directly contributing towards the quality and accessibility of healthcare for the residents and nearly 8 million annual visitors of our area. Whether it’s providing free screenings, improving upon medical technology or recruiting additional providers – every dollar raised has a huge impact.”

Additional donations can still be made online at www.aghpenguinswim.org.

This outstanding outcome can be credited to the AGH Foundation staff, the Penguin Swim Committee, event co-chairs Ryan Kirby and Caitlin Evans, and the unwavering support of the local residents and visitors that Atlantic General serves.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 PENGUIN SWIM EVENT SPONSORS

Legacy Sponsor for 30 Consecutive Years as Title Sponsor: “The Emperor Penguin” Bull on the Beach & Crab Alley.

Glacier Sponsors: AGH Auxiliary; D3; Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort; WRDE Coast TV.

Iceberg Sponsors: AGH Medical Staff; Bluewater; Clear Channel Outdoor; Duffie Boatworks, LLC; Hardwire LLC; Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 486; WMDT 47abc.

Igloo Sponsors: Chris Parypa Photography; Chesapeake Employers Insurance; Matt Ortt Companies, LLC; Ocean City Elks Lodge; Wilmington University.

Icicle Sponsors: American Legion - Synepuxent Post #166 Auxiliary; Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.; Bank of Ocean City; Bill Corey and Stewart Title; Community Title Network & Ridgway Law Group; Courtyard by Marriott; Dunkin Donuts; Guerrieri Family Foundation; Hi Tide Dispensary; Kirby's Pub; Long Life Treated Wood, Inc.; Monte Carlo Group; Ocean City Surf Club; Ocean Pines Association; The Original Greene Turtle; Park Place Jewelers; Red Sun Custom Apparel, Inc.; Sally Dowling M.D.; Shore Therapy Solutions; The Shrimp Boat; TPG Hotels & Resorts; Worcester Tech School.

Snowflake Sponsors: Celtic RnR Tours, Inc.; Deeley Insurance Group; Fisher's Popcorn of Delaware, Inc.; The Harrison Group; Ish Boutique; Jolly Roger Amusement Park; The Kite Loft; Kyle Satterfield; M.R. Ducks; Mark and Kathy Drew; Max Hutsell; Nick's Mini Golf; O.C. Seacrets, Inc; Ocean 13; Ocean City Elks Lodge #2645 Ladies Auxiliary; Pancho & Lefty’s; Peter Buas for Ocean City Council; Talbot Street Watersports; The Dispatch; Town Cats, Inc; DJ Street; the Mad Fairy

TOP FUNDRAISERS

Individual Youth 18 & Under

1. Leila Attia - $1,007
2. Delaney Whittington - $105
3. Dezzy Wegrzyn - $100

Individual Adult

1. James King - $1,275
2. Matthew Lynch - $700
3. Ed Fratantuono - $250

Youth/Family Team

1. Team Believe - $3,325
2. Owrey’s Owls – $1,590
3. Ice Ice Kirby - $1,500

Community Group Team

1. OC Ravens Roost #44* - $9,842.99
2. License to Chill - $2,325
3. Atlantic Club Beach Warriors - $1,350

*The Ravens Roost team has contributed more than $170,000 to the AGH Penguin Swim over the last 15 years.

Business Team

1. Bull on the Beach* - $25,828
2. Charles Brown Glass - $510
3. The Dispatch - $190
   *The Bull on the Beach team has contributed more than $700,000 to the AGH Penguin Swim since it started.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Oldest Penguin

• Nelya Kuvshinova – 83 years

Youngest Penguin

• Laura Beasley – 9 months

Traveled the Furthest

• Ashley Humphreys – Boulder Creek, California

COSTUME CONTEST

Best Youth Costume

• Madison Pecover as “Cow”

Best Adult Costume

• Butch Lorditch as “Mad Hatter”

Best Couple Costume

• Christy and Randy Nevel as “Barbie & Ken”

Best Group Costume

• Isaiah and Malani Williams as “Maui & Moana”

“Blingiest” Costume sponsored by Park Place Jewelers

Frosty Friends as “Blingy Theme”