On Jan. 1, nearly one hundred community members of all ages met at Pemaquid Beach for the first annual “Plunge for a Purpose,” a sister fundraising event to Hearty Roots’ perennially popular Paddle for a Purpose, which takes place in June on the Damariscotta River. Hardy plungers dove into the cold, bold Atlantic to raise over $5,000 to help kids “Get off the Grid and Into Their Hearts.”

The event wouldn’t have been possible without the careful, invested attention of Shelley Gallagher, director at Bristol Parks & Recreation, and her entire team. Plungers added flair to the event, some arriving in shiny, sparkling New Year’s Day regalia, and others sporting the ever-clever matching swimwear of yore. Wool hats were paired with bared shoulders as revelers braved their way into the roaring ocean, filled with determination and laughter. Shivers, too.

“Plunge for a Purpose was joyfully successful,” said Chris Prentice-Popken, board member for Hearty Roots. “Yes, my butt went numb. But a few minutes in Maine’s bracing and beautiful winter waters was nothing compared to the incredible work our staff does with Midcoast youth in all kinds of weather and temperatures. I was so happy to honor their commitment and the kiddos they work with by ‘jumping in’ with our community,” Prentice-Popken added. Raised funds will help deepen the intentionally personalized nature offerings that help kids build resilience and foster mindfulness. For Hearty Roots, there was no better way for the community to honor the organization’s commitment to mindfulness, adventure, and grit than to see participants be their hardiest, adventurous selves. 

The event was sponsored by the generosity of First National Bank. Hearty Roots invites you to Paddle for a Purpose on June 8, beginning at the town dock in Damariscotta. Join avid paddlers and new paddlers in a five-mile trip on the river to Glidden Point Oysters where you’ll be met with joy, music, and the opportunity to forge everlasting memories. For more information on programming, summer offerings or sponsoring a child’s hearty adventure through scholarship, visit heartyroots.org.