March 28, 2024
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Pleasant Point dip raises hurricane funds

PLEASANT POINT – With air and water temperatures in the mid-50s, 37 brave volunteers, known as dippers, jumped into Passamaquoddy Bay on Friday, Sept. 30, raising more than $4,000 for charity.

Known as the Penguin Dip, the event raised money for the American Red Cross and its efforts to help victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Gary Moore of Pleasant Point and John Surles of Eastport became human starting-flags when they dove from the 30-foot pier into the cold waters off Split Rock at Pleasant Point Reservation.

“When you hit the water, it really lets you know you’re alive,” said John Surles. “A few minutes in those cold waters for all of the dippers will warm the lives of so many that have lost everything in the gulf states for months to come.” Surles and Moore raised almost $1,000 between the two of them.

“We could not have done this without the altruistic and gracious spirit of this community,” said organizer April Francis. “We hope to make this an annual end-of-summer event that can benefit many different charities.”


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