Harrisburg, PA – The Humane Society of Harrisburg Area (HSHA) invites the community to take the plunge for homeless pets at the 2022 Penguin Plunge on Saturday, January 1st at Noon (registration starts at 10:00am) on the beach at City Island. Hundreds are expected to be in attendance, either to jump into the icy waters of the Susquehanna River or to cheer on the “Plungers.”
“The Plunge has become part of people’s New Year’s Day tradition, and this year we’re celebrating 25 years,” said Amanda Brunish, Director of Marketing & Outreach for HSHA. “Last year, we weren’t able to have the event in person. So, being able to have it back at City Island and celebrating a milestone, it feels extra special.”
Each year, HSHA supporters ring in the New Year by “plunging” in colorful and themed costumes. Prior to the event, participants can register at https://secure.frontstream.com/penguin-plunge-2022 to create customized fundraising pages and gather donations from family, friends, and co-workers. “Plungers” who raise more than $75 will receive a souvenir beach towel.
After the event, participants and event attendees are invited to the Harrisburg Beach Club, located in the same area where the Plunge takes place, for an after-party. The Harrisburg Beach Club will be serving drinks and a food truck will be on site. 10% of sales will go back to HSHA. In addition, local musician Devix will be performing from Noon to 2pm.
Each year also showcases a friendly competition between a local celebrity and an HSHA “poster child.” This year, Steph Brooks from RED 102.3 will be taking the plunge and competing with this year’s Plunge Dog, Hippo, to see which of them can raise the most money. Hippo, and HSHA alumni, has several medical issues that meant he needed a special family willing to take care of his needs. He found them in 2019, and since then, he has become a local celebrity in downtown Harrisburg!
The event also includes a “Chill Out Zone” from 10am to Noon at the Carousel Pavilion which will include food, beverages, raffles, a photo booth and more.
For more information visit https://secure.frontstream.com/penguin-plunge-2022.
About HSHA: The mission of the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area (HSHA) is to build a better community for pets and people through compassion, protection, education, and collaboration. HSHA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that has been serving the community and providing care for homeless animals since 1911. The organization accepts homeless animals regardless of their breed, age, medical condition, or behavioral condition and takes in thousands of homeless animals each year. However, HSHA does not euthanize adoptable animals due to lack of space or length of stay. The organization receives no funding from the government or other animal welfare groups and must rely on private donations and fundraising activities to support its mission.
###