Dunkers hitting lake for good cause
12th annual Deep Creek Dunk Feb. 27; proceeds benefit Maryland Special Olympics
Megan Miller
Cumberland Times-News
OAKLAND — It’s that time of year again — when a group of brave men, women and children leap into a frigid Garrett County lake, all in the name of philanthropy.
The 12th annual Deep Creek Dunk will be held on Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. behind the Uno Chicago Grill at Deep Creek Lake.
Dunkers pay a minimum donation of $50 for the dubious privilege of jumping into the lake in February, but it’s all for a good cause — the money goes to support the Maryland Special Olympics, explained spokeswoman Kelley Schniedwind. The event kicks off the Maryland Special Olympics Winter Games, which will be held at Wisp Resort from Feb. 28 to March 2.
Schniedwind said her organization relies on the fundraising efforts of individual participants to make the dunk a success.
“We have great corporate support, but the majority of the funding that comes in is from people saying ‘I’m going to go to my neighbors, my friends, my family, and ask them to support me and this cause,’” she said.
Schniedwind said the Maryland chapter of the Special Olympics began holding fundraising dunks in Annapolis, and when that proved successful, decided to hold another in Western Maryland.
“We thought hey, let’s take this show on the road,” she said. “We have this perfect spot with Deep Creek Lake, and great sponsors and partners in the area.”
Last year’s Deep Creek Dunk raised about $160,000, Schniedwind said. The official dunker turnout was 799, with an additional 1,000 or more spectators coming out to watch from dry land.
“People come out to watch because it’s such an amazing spectacle,” she said. “A lot of dunkers turn up in costume. There was a group of ladies from Dunkin’ Donuts who dressed up as a box of doughnuts.”
The dunk has become an all-day event, complete with lunch for dunkers courtesy of the Uno Chicago Grill and an after-dunk party at Black Bear Tavern.
“It’s a great day of fun and excitement and great energy,” she said. “But at the end of the day, you’re enduring this moment of cold for a lifetime of opportunities for Special Olympics athletes.”
For prospective dunkers, it’s never too late to register to participate, either online at www.dunkmd.com, or in person on dunk day, starting at noon. Kids can participate too, but dunkers under 18 have to have a consent form signed by a parent or guardian.
For further information, contact Special Olympics Maryland at plunge@somd.org or call (410) 789-6677.
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