BURLINGTON, Vt. –Lots of credit unions do fundraisers—but not many require employees to jump into a 33-degree lake on a winter day.
But that’s what employees of Vermont Federal Credit Union here did when they jumped into Lake Champlain in support of the Special Olympics. The 22nd Annual Burlington Penguin Plunge raised $538,487, topping 2016’s record by $64,000. This was Vermont Federal’s third year in a row participating in the event, raising more than $6,900 this year.
So, what’s it like to be part of the Penguin Plunge? Below, Lance Potter, team captain and senior vice president with VFCU, shares some of the cold details.
CUToday.info: When did the credit union first discuss participating?
Potter: We first participated in the Penguin Plunge back in 2001. We had a smaller team of about six staff members. We participated for a few years and decided to take a break. The idea came up again during our core system conversion in 2014. Our conversion was in November and the Plunge took place in February 2015. This year was our third consecutive year.
CUToday.info: What was the response from staff (and how many had to be talked into/dared into doing this?)
Potter: There was a lot of excitement and support from the rest of the staff the past couple years. 2015 was our first year participating after several years. We had 11 team members who may have been a little nervous, but were also really excited. Over the past couple of years, we’ve gained a few more from the team sharing their excitement and encouraging others to join in. In 2016, the team increased to 16 and this year it increased to 19 members.
CUToday.info: OK, the big question: What does it feel like to jump into a 33-degree lake and how would you describe the sensation?
Potter: The feeling is hard to describe as there isn’t much to compare it to. There is a lot of adrenaline leading up the plunge, moving from tent to tent getting closer to take the plunge. The music is loud and the announcer is calling out the teams as they leave the tent for the plunge. The jog from the tent to the water is short, but there is a large crowd gathered at the waterfront cheering everyone on. Then, when you hit the water… It does take your breath away.
The access is down a boat ramp. People will either run and do a shallow dive or run in and dipping under. You turn around to get out as quick as you got in. It’s so quick, and with the adrenaline, it’s hard to remember the sensation. I still psyche myself out each year by telling myself how bad it is going to be. After getting out we try to get everyone together for a group picture before going back into the changing tents.
CUToday.info: What was the air temperature that day, and how long does one stay in the lake?
Potter: The air temperature was about 28 with a little wind. Some joked that the water temperature was warmer so it must not be too bad, right? Wrong! The water takes your breath away. It really isn’t that bad, though, because it is so quick.
CUToday.info: What happens/what do people do when they leave the lake? Does anyone ever get sick?
Potter: After jumping into the lake we go back to the changing tents and get into dry clothes. Each year most team members get together and get food up the street. It makes for a fun day. We haven’t had anyone get sick. I think it is unlikely because the participants are in the water so briefly and then go into a heated tent to get changed. Staying in the water, outside wet, or in wet clothes for an extended time would probably make it more likely.
CUToday.info: What advice do you have for any other credit union that might be considering something similar?
Potter: Start a team, create excitement, and ask/encourage others to participate. The team will likely start off small and slowly grow when others hear about how much fun it is to participate. I anticipate our team will continue to grow and I don’t think the energy around the event will dwindle as it did previously.