Crowd turns out for Penguin Plunge

HAMPTON — While the theme for this year's Penguin Plunge was Superheroes, it was clear what each participant's superpower was — they cared enough to jump into the cold ocean and raise money for a great cause.

The 16th annual Penguin Plunge is the biggest fund-raiser each year for Special Olympics New Hampshire. Portsmouth Mayor Bob Lister, who takes the plunge each year, said he believes it is the biggest fund-raiser held by any nonprofit in the state each year.

On Sunday, 509 people participated, raising $408,618.53 for Special Olympics New Hampshire.

Joyce Daniels of Hampton raised a total of $13,415 making her the "King Penguin" for 2015.

A total of $598,793.92 was raised over the weekend through both the High School Plunge held Saturday and Sunday's Penguin Plunge. A spokesperson for SONH said that is a slight increase over what was raised last year, although the number of plungers was down slightly from 595 in 2014.

The event is always full of fun since it involves people jumping in the water in the winter. Some, like Paul Montray, take the themes to the limits of their imagination.

Montray, who is part of the Merrimack County Sheriff's Department, was dressed as Wonder Woman, with the complete costume, including long black wig, red lipstick and red boots. He had two large white plastic balls used to creatively represent a fairly large display of cleavage. It turned out to be the funniest part of his outfit.

"This is my 13th year," Montray said. "I am involved with the Special Olympics and I love to see the smiles on their faces. Without this great fund-raiser, it might not be possible."

WMUR meteorologist Kevin Skarupa said the water temperature was 42 degrees.

"It's actually warmer in the water than it is anywhere in the state today," Skarupa said.

Montray had a "wardrobe malfunction" when he took his plunge. As he dunked in the ocean, his cleavage "popped" out of his costume. He came to shore much flatter while two white plastic balls bobbed gently in the water.

A team from Bottomline Technologies had a different take on the superhero theme. Team members honored what they called real superheroes, police, fire, medical and other everyday heroes.

Rye resident Lyndon Walker made his first plunge this year.

"I thought it was awesome," Walker said. "It is cold, but I just love doing things like this for a good cause."

One of the sponsors of this year's event was Five Guys Burgers and Fries. The company not only donated money to the cause, it also had nine plungers, including the owner.

"I did it last year," said Cort Mendez, owner of the New Hampshire franchises of the popular restaurant. "It's not bad. I think the anxiety of knowing you are about to go into very cold water is the worst part. Today however, the water is actually warmer than the air."

Miss New Hampshire Samantha Poirer helped to judge the costume parade. She did not plunge this year but reportedly has done so in a previous year.

Former Hampton Police Chief Jamie Sullivan braved the cold to support the cause.

"It's very chilly," Sullivan said dryly as he exited the ocean.