Penn State Altoona Alumni Society’s Winter Plunge raises more than $130,000 in four-year history
More than 135 participants met to face the cold water at Canoe Creek State Park for the fourth annual Penn State Altoona Alumni Society’s Winter Plunge on Saturday, January 30, 2016.
Since its inception in 2013, the Winter Plunge has raised over $130,000 for the society’s scholarship program and Penn State Altoona Benefiting THON.
To date, Winter Plunge 2016 gross proceeds from donations and sponsorships total $29,730. Net proceeds will be divided equally between the Penn State Altoona Alumni Society’s scholarship program and Penn State Altoona Benefiting THON.
Chris Helock, Altoona Benefiting THON Committee Winter Plunge Chair, remarked, “Winter Plunge 2016 is now history, and it was an exciting year of preparation and anticipation.” Helock added, “For a number of us, participation in a polar bear plunge was a chilly first-time experience, but we were doing it for two great causes—fighting pediatric cancer through THON and assisting fellow students needing scholarship financial assistance.” Chris Helock is sophomore studying secondary education.
The Altoona Benefiting THON Committee extends appreciation and thanks to all of the participants and sponsors and especially to the Penn State Altoona Alumni Society for creating this event four years ago to assist our THON efforts.
Last year, the student-led Penn State Altoona Benefiting THON managed to raise more than $111,000, topping the previous year’s contribution by about $4,000. For the last three years, Altoona ranked first among the Commonwealth campuses in earnings.
“The Winter Plunge Planning Committee is very appreciative of all of the support that helped make Winter Plunge 2016 a big success. Perfect weather conditions and a crowd of spectators made for a very enjoyable day at Canoe Creek State Park,” said John Gallace, Chair of the Winter Plunge Committee. With the help of over 135 registered Plungers, proceeds for our two charities totaled nearly $30,000. With additional funds still coming in, we hope to exceed that amount.”
Since the Penn State Altoona Alumni Society’s scholarship program was established, more than $45,000 in financial aid has been awarded to 51 students.