Penguin Plunge In Manchester Draws Dozens To Support Students

MANCHESTER, NJ — Students at the Manchester Schools' Regional Day School got a big boost on Saturday for their year-end student celebrations at Saturday's 10th annual Penguin Plunge.

Dozens of people turned out to take a dip in Harry Wright Lake and support the school for students with special needs. The Penguin Plunge raises funds for their prom and graduation, and district officials said $5,000 was raised by the event.

The Manchester PBA 246 raised half of that figure, $2,500, for the cause, which drew 43 plungers who ran into the 36-degree water.

"It was a chilly, windy day and the rain held off," the school district said in a Facebook post about the event. "(Forty-three) members of our community ran into the lake while almost one hundred spectators cheered everyone on and kept towels dry!"

"A special thank you to the Manchester Township Alliance Coordinator Barbara Sprechman, Manchester PBA 246, John & Linda McCarthy, John McGuire, Superintendent John Berenato, Mayor Arace, Joan Brush, Manchester Girl Scout Troop 50307, and our entire RDS family!" the post said.

People who were unable to attend but would like to donate to the cause can mail a check payable to Regional Day School to the school at 890 Toms River Road, Jackson, NJ 08527. Put "Penguin Plunge" in the memo field

See photos below.