Penguin Olympics at STAC will Benefit Nyack's Children's Charity

ORANGETOWN, NY — St. Thomas Aquinas College Students will join the #GivingTuesday movement on Nov. 29 to raise awareness and donations for Nyack’s Penguin Plunge Inc., a nonprofit organization that supports three Rockland County children with serious medical conditions each year.

#GivingTuesday is held annually on the Tuesday after that quintessential American combo, Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, to kick off the holiday giving season. It is a global day of giving that aims to inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities and helping the charities and causes they support.

The event will beginwith the #GivingTuesday Penguin Olympics at St. Thomas Aquinas College from 1:30-4 p.m. and conclude with the #GivingTuesday Penguin Party at Lexington Grill and Pub in Bardonia, NY.

STAC Communication Arts students hope to capture the giving spirit of the season and raise money for: Gabriella Carney, 2, from Tappan, NY, living with a rare genetic liver disease; Noah Diaz, 5, from Congers, NY, born with a severe heart condition, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome; and Molly McGovern, 18, from Blauvelt, NY, diagnosed early this year with benign Meningioma.

“I am thrilled to partner with STAC students and join the #GivingTuesday movement in an effort to raise awareness and funds for our local families during the Thanksgiving season," Barbara Noyes, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Nyack Penguin Plunge, said in a press release. "My hope is this event will inspire other community members to embrace the spirit of giving.”

The “#GivingTuesday Penguin Olympics” will feature challenges, activities and raffles in the Romano Student Center on the STAC campus in Sparkill NY from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Students plan to “dip their flippers” in icy cold water to support this year’s recipients of the Nyack Penguin Plunge, and inspire the community to participate in the organization’s signature event—a plunge into the icy Hudson at Nyack Memorial Park on March 5, 2017.

“My students are participating in an inspiring service learning project, while honing their event planning, public relations, and social media content development skills,” said Communications Professor Elaine Winship.

The students have been working for the Nyack Penguin Plunge since September in an effort to learn and apply public relations and event planning skills, bridging the gap between the classroom and the real world.

“I have enjoyed working with the Penguin Plunge because it is such a worthy cause. Plus, now I have real world PR experience to add to my resume!” said Communication Arts Senior Hailey Roberston.

Afterwards, the students will head to The Lexington Grill and Pub in Bardonia NY for the “The #GivingTuesday Penguin Party.” From 5:30-8:30 p.m., co-owner Brian McKiernan will offer his bar, free food, and proceeds from drink specials to the NY Penguin Plunge.

“The Penguin Plunge helps local community children,” McKiernan says. “As a business owner, it is my honor to give back to their families in any way I can.”