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A Chilling Challenge with a Warm Heart
Imagine stepping into icy 34-degree waters, the cold stealing your breath away as you take the plunge. Now, imagine doing it for a cause that changes lives. On March 15, hundreds of brave adventurers did just that at the Marsh Madness Polar Plunge, an annual fundraising event hosted by the YMCA of Reading & Berks County. This event wasn’t just about the thrill—it was about making waves for a greater cause by raising essential funds for the YMCA’s Open Door Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to youth when their families need extra help to afford programming such as summer camp, before & after school care, school’s out programs.
“Regardless of their family's ability to pay, events like this make sure that kids in our county have access to high-quality programming that is affordable. The experiences they have with their peers and our mentors have long-lasting impressions on their lives – from core memories to learning social skills and building confidence in a safe place. Every kid deserves – and receives – the same chance for potential.”
Freezin’ for a Reason: The Impact of Your Support
Every dollar raised at Marsh Madness helps ensure that children, no matter their financial circumstances, can access life-changing YMCA programs, including swim lessons, summer camp, and memberships.
- $100 provides two children with six weeks of swim lessons, helping them learn vital water safety skills.
- $250 gives a struggling family a seven-month YMCA membership, offering them a place to stay active and engaged.
- $500 sends four children to one week of summer camp, giving working parents peace of mind.
- $1,000 ensures 12 children have meals and snacks in childcare for a month.
The ripples of generosity from this year’s plunge will be felt by countless families across Berks County.
Epic Costumes, Fierce Competitions, and Award-Winning Spirit
The event was more than just a plunge—it was a celebration of community spirit. Participants sported wacky costumes, formed spirited teams, and competed for top fundraising awards.
Pot of Gold Awards (Top Individuals)
- Shamrock Award (Male with most money raised): Joseph Conte
- Four Leaf Clover Award (Female with most money raised): Kim Evans
- Leprechaun Elder Award (Oldest Plunger): Bill Oswald
- Fairy Tales Award (Best Female Costume): Rylee Coyle
- Ogre Drag Award (Best Male Costume): Joey Conte
Blarney Chalice Awards (Top Groups)
- Fiddler Folly Award (Best Team Costume): Christopher, Robin, Candice, and Ira Wierzbowski
- Member Spirit Award (Member team with most participants or best costume): Reading YMCA Swim Team
- Community Spirit Award (Business with most money raised): Exeter Leo Club
Y Spirit Awards (Branch Awards)
- Most Money Raised: Reading YMCA
- Best Spirit: Sinking Spring YMCA’s Group Fitness Team
Community Champions: Our Incredible Sponsors
Marsh Madness wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our local businesses. A huge thank you to our sponsors who helped make this event a success:
Platinum Sponsors
Redner’s, Chicco, Enersys, The Works at Wyomissing
Gold Sponsors
MailShark, West Lawn Quoiting Associates, UGI Energy Services INC, Reading Orthodontics Management, Dorothy M Hass Charitable Trust
Silver Sponsors
Alarm Tech Services INC, Reading Precast INC, Performance Roofing Associates, EHD, Kozloff Stoudt Attorneys, Burkey Construction, Fulton Bank, Herbein, Maillie LLP, Precor, Fleetwood Orioles Nest #23
Bronze Sponsors
Sheetz, Tree’s Salon, Sims Lawn and Landscaping LLC, West Wyomissing Fire Co, Lincoln Park Fire Company, Boehringer’s Drive-In, Hidden View Woodworks, Kristen Young Pilates LLC, ReMax of Reading, Rudolph LLC
Iceberg Sponsors
D & S Portable Toilets LLC, Geist Sporting Goods, Elwood and Carol Klinger, Simple Again, Keystone T’s, Bob Zelano Refrigeration, Prospectus Berco
Support the Y’s Mission: It’s Not Too Late to Donate
Visit our website to learn more about YMCA programs, volunteer opportunities, and how to support local nonprofits in Reading, PA. Every contribution helps strengthen our community—because when we come together, we rise together.
