A Cold Run for a Great Cause

What would entice a large group of adults and students to run through freezing water and snow on a cold, winter day? A good cause, of course. Like many other things, COVID-19 has impacted the annual Penguin Plunge that usually takes place at Burlington’s waterfront to benefit Special Olympics Vermont. Not to be dissuaded, the force behind CVU’s efforts, teacher Peter Booth, worked on an alternative plan. This video was created by folks at CVU and shared with students and faculty to build excitement. Soon after it was announced that CVU would continue with an effort, Greg Marino, lead principal of the Williston Schools, joined in to help coordinate and plan. The Penguin Run was born. 

On Saturday, March 6, participants from both school communities, CVU and Williston, ran through an icy tunnel of frigid mist and snow in the Williston Central School (WCS) parking lot.  

From Peter Booth: 

This year was tough without being able to just go to the waterfront and have kids jump in the water. There were a ton of logistics and it 100% could not have happened without the help of:

• The Hinesburg and Williston Fire Departments (especially Tim Gerry from Williston who put in HOURS as we tried to navigate all the challenges)
• Essex Equipment who donated two massive generators that they normally rent for $300 each/day
• Cochran’s Ski Area who gave us their two humongous snow guns without even blinking. No hesitation, Just “yup, take our $10,000 snow guns and bring ‘em back when you’re done!”

CVU has long championed inclusion and was recognized by ESPN as a Unified Champion School in 2020. This year's combined effort raised about $20,000 for Special Olympics Vermont. 

Thank you to all who helped organize, participate, and support this great event!

Here are some news stories and photos from the event.

MyNBC5: 

People running through a man-made blizzard in 20-degree weather all for Vermont Special Olympics

WCAX:

Students get creative for this year’s modified Penguin Plunge

Special Olympics Vermont:

Photos from Special Olympics Vermont