Jay Fergusonjay@deepcreekvacations.com301-501-0420
Menu

Embracing Community: Garrett County’s First-Ever Community Dunk

Organized by the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce and generously sponsored by the Oak-Mar Motel & 3rd Street Diner and Casselman Creamery, the Community Dunk stands out for its emphasis on fostering local community engagement. Unlike the bustling Saturday Dunks, this event offers a more intimate setting, echoing the tight-knit spirit of Garrett County’s communities.

“This first annual event is a testament to our commitment to celebrating our local talent and supporting our athletes and Unified® teammates of Special Olympics Maryland – Garrett County,” expressed a spokesperson for the Chamber of Commerce.

What makes this event even more special is its timing. By taking place on a Thursday, it provides residents with a welcomed opportunity to participate without the weekend rush or scheduling conflicts. It’s a chance for neighbors to come together, rally around a worthy cause, and enjoy each other’s company.

Proceeds from the Dunk week will go towards supporting Special Olympics Maryland – Garrett County programming, including recent initiatives like participation in the 2023 Bowling State Championships and the Interscholastic Unified Elementary Bocce County Championships hosted by Garrett County Public Schools.

Andrew Fike, President of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to merge the Community Dunk with the February Business After Hours event. By doing so, they’ve created a synergy between networking, team-building, and community support.

“On behalf of many community members who, like myself, try to avoid large crowds or work weekends, I would like to thank Special Olympics Maryland for organizing this special weekday event. This is a great opportunity to involve more locals, and we hope to make it a new tradition!” Fike exclaimed enthusiastically.

More than just a fundraising event, the Community Dunk embodies the enduring spirit of Garrett County – a celebration of inclusivity, support, and local pride. As residents eagerly anticipate this inaugural affair, the stage is set for a heartwarming gathering where the bonds of community are strengthened, and the spirit of giving shines brightly in the snow-capped hills.

If you’re interested in participating or contributing to this meaningful cause, visit the event page at [link] for more details. Let’s come together and make a difference in our community. See you there!

First Cool Schools Dunk deemed huge success

From The Garrett County Republican

DEEP CREEK LAKE — On Feb. 22, nearly 400 middle and high school students and staff participated in the first Cool Schools Dunk at Deep Creek Lake.

The event, which occurred the day before the annual Deep Creek Dunk, was established to raise money to help fund the Garrett County Public School’s unified sports teams and the Garrett County community Special Olympics teams. The event raised more than $23,000 in its inaugural year.

“We have schools competing against each other to raise funds for a worthy cause and it doesn’t get any better than that,” Garrett County Public Schools Superintendent Barbara Baker said. “We are so excited that our students, our unified sports teams, and our partners at Special Olympics Maryland will all benefit from this event.”

To read the entire article click here.

Deep Creek Dunk set for Feb. 23

From The Garrett County Republican

McHENRY — The 21st annual Deep Creek Dunk will be held on Saturday, Feb. 23, behind Uno Pizzeria and Grill.

Sponsored by the Maryland State Police and the Department of Natural Resources Police, the event has raised more than $2.3 million for Special Olympics Maryland since its inception.

For this year’s dunk, a goal of $200,000 has been set to benefit the 7,782 athletes involved in Special Olympics in Garrett County and throughout the state.

Last year, more than 700 people participated, and plans are for the number to surpass 800 this year.

Dunkers must fundraise or pay a minimum of $75 to participate in the frigid plunge into Deep Creek Lake. For their efforts, participants will receive a sweatshirt and a free pasta or pizza from Uno.

For the full article click here.

Deep Creek Dunk draws 850 for icy Special Olympics fundraiser Read more: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-deep-creek-dunk-20140223,0,7321634.story#ixzz2y1JlY2ZH

By Pamela Wood, The Baltimore Sun2:09 p.m. EST, February 23, 2014

Hundreds of hearty souls waded into icy Deep Creek Lake in Western Maryland on Saturday for the annual Deep Creek Dunk to benefit Special Olympics Maryland.

The Maryland Natural Resources Police had to cut away a thick layer of ice from the lake to make room for the 850 dunkers, who waded into the water from a spot near the Honi Honi bar.

“It looks like Alaska with the backdrop of the chunks of ice,” said Jason Schriml, vice president of communications for Special Olympics Maryland.

The dunk raised about $160,000, just shy of the goal of $170,000.

While the lake was covered in a 16-inch-thick coating of ice and the water was a frigid 32 degrees, the air temperature was about 50 degrees, Schriml said.

“It wasn’t balmy, but if you’re getting out in 50-degree weather, it’s not too bad,” he said.

Read more: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-deep-creek-dunk-20140223,0,7321634.story#ixzz2y1JlY2ZH

Laurel police get chilly for charity

By Emilie Eastman Staff Writer

Members of Laurel Lodge No. 11, which represents the men and women of the Laurel Police Department, have raised more than $5,000 in support and set a goal of $15,000, according to the group’s fundraising website. The event as a whole has collected more than $70,000 in donations as of Feb. 14.

“We have a fantastic relationship with Special Olympics,” said Jesse Conyngham, president of Laurel Lodge No. 11. “We’ve been pretty big participants [in Deep Creek Dunk], even with the setup of the event.”

Participants in the Deep Creek Dunk fundraiser will jump into the icy waters of Deep Creek Lake in Maryland during the 16th annual event, hosted by the Maryland State Police and Maryland Natural Resources Police.

More here.

Fun things to do this weekend at Deep Creek

deep-creek-dunk-7 Goosebumps & Grapes

Date: February 22, 2013
Event Description:
An evening of Fire & Wine. Presented by the Honi-Honi, Uno & Arrowhead Market. Co-Hosted by Long & Foster Deep Creek Lake Vacation Rentals.

6 pm – 9 pm. Pre-register for the Dunk and enjoy an evening under the stars at the 3rd Goosebumps & Grapes Wine Tasting all to benefit SOMD. Get toasty around the roaring bonfire and sample a variety of wonderful wines from Republic National Distributing Co., inside our heated tent. All wines will be available for sale at Arrowhead Market on Friday & Saturday, and $3 from every bottle purchased will be donated to SOMD. Admission: $20 donation to SOMD.

——

MSP/NRP Deep Creek Dunk

Name: MSP/NRP Deep Creek Dunk
Date: February 23, 2013
Event Description:
Join fellow dunkers by taking a quick dip in the Lake – all to support Special Olympics Maryland!

deep-creek-dunk-success

—–

THE HILLBILLY GYPSIES free show at Mountain State Brewing Co

Date: February 23, 2013 – February 24, 2013
Event Description:
Get ready for a foot-stompin’ good time when our friends THE HILLBILLY GYPSIES come back to Mountain State Brewing in Deep Creek on Feb 23rd! Show starts at 10pm and, as always, is free. See you there! www.thehillbillygypsies.com The Hillbilly Gypsies are a West Virginia native string band who specialize in playing their own homegrown style of Appalachian old time music, mixed with a hard drivin’ bluegrass sound. In addition to their original material, The Hillbilly Gypsies play an eclectic mix of traditional and quite often, not-so-traditional bluegrass standards and catchy old fiddle tunes