BRADENTON BEACH – Hundreds of people, many in creative costumes, gathered on the sand for the 15th year of the Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge. Although the weather was in the high 70s and the sun was shining the water temperature was a chilly 59 degrees for the annual event held by Clancy’s Freaki-Tiki to raise money for local charities that help area children.
“This is hilarious, you guys are killing us with this,” said Rhonda Klaren of Lancaster Pennsylvania. Klaren was enjoying some beach time near the event with her husband, Carl. “They do this where we live; I think they call it the Polar Bear Plunge, but it’s at a boat ramp on a river that is close to literally being frozen. You guys run into water that’s hilariously warm, all things considered. It’s for charity though, so we won’t knock it. The people here are wonderful.”
To date, the annual plunge into the Gulf has raised $362,284. This year, the goal was to raise $40,000 with all of the funds going to Feeding Empty Little Tummies, Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County, Inc. and Take Stock in Children of Manatee County, all 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations. A post-plunge party took place at Clancy’s on Cortez Road with the Dr. Dave Band performing and more money raised through raffle tickets, a silent auction and live auction as the party continued.
Clancy’s is located at 6218 Cortez Rd. W. in Bradenton.
