Brave souls are invited to take a dip in the Greenbrier River on Saturday, Mar. 7, to help fight food insecurity in the Greenbrier Valley and beyond. The second annual Penguin Plunge, scheduled at Island Park in Ronceverte, West Virginia, aims to raise essential funds for the Saturday of Service (SOS) ministry, a recognized 501c3 nonprofit organization in West Virginia.
The event kicks off with participant check-in at 12:30 p.m. with the plunge to begin at 1 p.m. Spectators are encouraged to cheer on plungers and Radio Greenbrier (103.1 FM The Bear) will be on site with live coverage.
The Penguin Plunge supports the Saturday of Service ministry, which provides free, monthly meals to anyone who needs or wants a meal in the Greenbrier Valley and beyond. In its’ sixth year, Saturday of Service reaches out to seniors, those with disabilities, those with limited incomes, families with children, those who are lonely, those who can’t cook homemade meals, and to those who just need to see a smiling face or hear a friendly greeting. This ministry not only provides food for the physical being, but also food for the spiritual being.
The Penguin Plunge is a powerful way for the community to come together. By braving the cold, the plungers are taking a direct stand against hunger. Participants collect monetary pledges to support their plunge and all funds raised will directly support the ability to serve those who experience food insecurity in the community and beyond.
Prizes will be awarded to the plunger traveling the furthest distance, the oldest and youngest plunger, the plunger with the best costume, and the plunger with the most money raised. A warming tent will be provided for participants to change clothing as well as hot chocolate for those plunging.
Plungers can register online by scanning the QR code on the official Penguin Plunge flyer, located on the Saturday of Service Facebook page, and print the participant packet. If preferred, plungers can register in person at Arbuckle Insurance Agency, 800 Jefferson Street South in Lewisburg, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Partnerships are available to businesses who want to show their support for this important event. This is a fantastic way to support the Penguin Plunge without getting wet. To become a Penguin Plunge partner, visit the Saturday of Service Facebook page to view the event flyer or contact 304-646-6929 for more information.
Based at Edgewood Presbyterian Church, Saturday of Service acts as a Matthew 25 mission, by being active disciples and making a difference in our community and the world. Jesus wants us to serve others with love and kindness, without expecting anything in return. Yet in return, we get everything.
Help us make a splash on food insecurity in the Greenbrier Valley and beyond by “embracing the cold and being bold!”
