By Carol Britton Meyer

Cold-weather ocean “plunge” fundraisers are especially popular this year in Hull, with two planned for Saturday, Jan. 28 – Plunge for Wellspring (previously known as the Drowned Hogs) and the Anchor of Hull Polar Plunge – and the other, the Nantasket Plunge, happening on Feb. 25.

This is the 28th year for the Wellspring fundraiser, rebranded from Drowned Hogs to Plunge for Wellspring to reflect that this is a benefit specifically for the multi-service center and out of consideration for those who have lost loved ones to drowning, Wellspring President & CEO Vinny Harte told The Hull Times.

“We haven’t done an in-person plunge for the past two years. The event was virtual in 2021 because of COVID and was cancelled last year due to the blizzard, with a much smaller swim a couple of weeks later,” he recalled. “We’re hoping that people will bounce back this year.”

Join the pre- and post-plunge parties at Daddy’s Beach Club, 280 Nantasket Ave. Register for the Wellspring “Freezin’ for a Reason” event at Nantasket Beach beforehand or starting at 10 a.m. at the Mary Jeanette Murray Bathhouse, with the swim starting at noon from the nearby ramp. The party before the plunge starts at 7 p.m. and the post-party right after the swim.

This will be Harte’s 21st year participating in the plunge to benefit Wellspring and the 16th year for his son, Riley, who first joined the fundraiser when he was nine.

“I can’t ask others to take the Plunge if I don’t do it myself,” Harte said. “Besides, it’s fun!”

Swimmer perks include no registration fee and prizes for individuals and teams. Event-related swag items, including hats and towels, will be available inside the bathhouse.

Money is raised through the pledges collected by the swimmers, with a goal of $25,000 this year. “The money raised directly funds Wellspring’s programs,” Harte said. “The plunge is one of our biggest fundraisers, directly impacting our day-to-day programs and services.”

Plunge organizers are hoping for at least 100 swimmers this year, down from prior years before the pandemic and the blizzard but enough to start rebuilding the event, according to Harte.

While some snow is in the forecast, Harte is hoping it won’t interfere with the plunge.

“We’re hoping for pleasant weather,” he said. “Everyone is welcome to participate, even if they register at the last minute.”

For further information, visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/plungeforwellspring2023. Blizzard, Icicle, Snow, and Flurry sponsorships are available. All proceeds will benefit the Wellspring Multi-Service Center Hull and Weymouth locations.

The Anchor of Hull Polar Plunge also kicks off on Saturday, Jan. 28 – from Pemberton Pier at 2 p.m. Recovery coaches and trainers Kurt Gerold and Jeremy Scott, who is also the pastor of North Street Community Chapel Church in Hingham, are hosting the fundraiser, which has already raised $8,771 to benefit the work of the Anchor, which is part of the church’s ministry.

This year, Scott will be taking the plunge, and Anchor staff will be handing out hot chocolate. Everyone is welcome to participate. Anyone still wishing to make a donation can do so at https://www.theanchorofhull.org/giving-donations.

“I’m excited to see Jeremy get cold for a change while I’m enjoying a nice hot beverage,” Gerold quipped. Everyone is welcome to participate.

On a more serious note, Gerold expressed appreciation to everyone who has helped with this fundraising effort so far, “allowing us to continue to do the work we do because of their generous support.” Looking toward next year’s event, organizers are considering the idea of having teams.

Nearly $40,000 of the $75,000 goal has already been raised as part of the 2023 Nantasket Polar Plunge, which is planned for Saturday, Feb. 25 at Nantasket Beach. Registration and check-in begin at the Mary Jeanette Murray Bathhouse at 11 a.m., followed by the Plunge at noon as individuals or part of a team.

This fundraising event, which celebrates inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities on and off the playing field, supports the Special Olympics.

Following the Polar Plunge, there will be food, music, more fundraising, and awards for the most creative costumes, which are encouraged. Those who fundraise $100 or more will receive a limited edition Polar Plunge shirt.

For further information, visit https://fundraise.specialolympicsma.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=690.