Harrisburg, PA – The Humane Society of Harrisburg Area (HSHA) invites the community to take the plunge for homeless pets at the 2023 Penguin Plunge on Sunday, 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 each year we are excited that more people take part in the celebration and raise funds to support the homeless animals in our area,” said Amanda Brunish, Director of Marketing & Outreach for HSHA.
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-2023 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.
Participants and event attendees are invited to celebrate before and after the Plunge at the Harrisburg Beach Club, located in the same area where the Plunge takes place. The Harrisburg Beach Club will be serving drinks, food and be providing a DJ. In addition, HSHA will be hosting a costume contest, raffles, and more.
Each year the event features a “Plunge” dog as a representative of the shelter. This year’s dog is Sunny, a pittie mix adopted in August 2021. Sunny was in bad shape when she came to the shelter as a stray, weighing only 33 pounds. She was scared and needed medical attention.
“Luckily, she was brought to the right place,” said adopters Rich and Linda Sweger. “She received the love and care she needed and, when she was ready for a home, we were happy to adopt her! Today, Sunny is our happy girl and is excited to represent all the residents of HSHA still looking for a home at this year’s Penguin Plunge.”
For more information visit https://secure.frontstream.com/penguin-plunge-2023.
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.
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