March 5th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

A chili and very windy day as the community gathered together Saturday to plunge into lake Habeeb at Rocky Gap State Park for the 19th annual Hooley Plunge this year's event raising over $114,000 for local programs supporting the developmentally disabled, including Special Olympics of Allegany County Friends Aware, public and private school programs as well as Boy Scout Troop 89. Guide dog Fiona and WCBC's Chris Myers plunged racing $405 from WCBC listeners, a special thank you to our supporters this year.

The Hooley Plunge is coordinated by Alhambra Wamba Caravan 89 and co-chaired by Alhambra member Rob Adams and Northrop Grumman Material Program Manager Stephen Gray. Since its inception, nearly $1.8 million has been raised. The inspiration of the Hooley Plunge started with Dr. Sean McCagh as a fundraiser for the YMCA ice rink. As the uncle of a developmentally disabled nephew, McCagh appreciated how vital these programs are for individuals and their families. When the ice rink closed, McCagh followed his own advice, “Make it personal.”