While many of you enjoy spending time cruising on the water, we wanted to take a moment to mention how you can take some time this off season to get in the water and support a great Vermont organization.

We had the pleasure of getting in touch with Chris Bernier, Director of Marketing & Development at Special Olympics Vermont, to learn more about their upcoming Penguin Plunge and how you can jump into one of the best events taking place on the water this time of year. Here is some information he shared with us regarding this frigid fundraiser:

The Special Olympics Vermont Penguin Plunge began in 1995 with only 15 individuals and has since grown to become one of the largest winter events in Burlington, VT.

In 2009, over 1,200 participated in the three Penguin Plunges around Vermont to raise awareness and donations for the 850+ athletes of Special Olympics Vermont.  This event is Special Olympics Vermont’s largest fundraising event and makes up over ½ of our annual budget.

Over the last 15 years, brave Vermonters, from businessmen and women to school children, have arrived on the Burlington waterfront in February to raise money and take a running jump into the icy waters of Lake Champlain.

Here are some dates and further information regarding each location:

• January 30: Penguin Plunge – North Bennington, North Bennington, VT
• February 6: Penguin Plunge – Burlington, Burlington, VT
• February 13: Penguin Plunge – Newport, Newport, VT

We are very thankful for all the dedicated workers, volunteers and supporters of VTSO and we hope you take part in the action while contributing to a very valuable cause here in Vermont.

Located in Burlington, The HowardCenter “improves the well-being of children, adults, families, and communities.” as it reads in their mission statement. This holiday season, they have been truly living up to that commitment through their Holiday Giving Program, and are looking for a few more sponsors to ensure that all of their listed families benefit from this gracious endeavor to help others in the community.

The Holiday Giving Program, run by the Child, Youth & Family Services arm of HC, brings hope and happiness to those who are unable to afford Christmas gifts for their families by calling upon those who wish to sponsor a family. The involvement of these sponsors will aid in making sure each child has a gift, and each family member a smile, as the holidays approach.

There are 100 families being sponsored this year, and as of now there are 18 left who are in need of sponsorship. The families are broken down as such:

• 7 — one-child families
• 3 — 2-child families
• 5 — 3-child families
• 2 — 4-child families
• 1 — 7-child family

Burlington Boatyard, who has become familiar with HC through their friends at Lake Champlain International, Inc. (LCI), supports this program and encourages anyone who may be able to help to do so, no matter big or small. Please reach out to HC and offer your support at any level you can, as the gesture of giving a little, can resonate largely throughout the lives of others as they feel the support, care and understanding of others during this time of year.

If you have additional questions about the Holiday Giving Program, or wish to make a contribution, please contact Catherine Shahan at 802-488-6651or Kesta Perras, at 802-488-6913 or visit their website here.

Thank you for your consideration in the program and best wishes during the holiday season.

- The Burlington Boatyard Crew