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Over $100,000 Raised to Fight ALS

Depending on the amount of money raised per individual, attendees were eligible to receive prizes including t-shirts, winter skull caps, beach towels, hooded windbreakers, robes and custom jackets, all bearing the Valentine Plunge logo. Prizes were awarded to the individual raising the most amount of money, the largest team and for the best costume.

“It was a tremendous response … it’s not like a triathlon, you don’t have to be a world-class athlete to do this and make a difference,” said Mr. O’Neill.

In reference to the spirit of the event organizers, attendee Terry Magovern stated, “their enthusiasm is infectious … it’s a fun, family event.”

Those participating in the plunge were eligible to do so individually or as part of a team, both of which were well-represented, according to Mr. O’Neill.

Mr. Magovern raised the largest amount of money for an individual plunger, tallying over $17,000 in donations. Mr. Magovern had previously raised funds for the Joan Dancy and People with ALS [PALS] support group, and felt that “this gave a little extra incentive to people to raise money for the benefit.”

Winning the award for largest team was the Broadway Bar & Grill in Point Pleasant Beach with 26 members, while the award for best costume went to Team Titanic, whose members were attired in disposable pants, as well as men’s and women’s formal wear, organizers said. Other teams included the Kesler Crazies and Wall Street Idiots, who actually came down from New York City for the event this past weekend.

Mr. O’Neill was very pleased with the fund-raiser, and anticipates the plunge becoming a yearly occasion. “When you get this kind of support, it has to be [an annual event].” Mr. O’Neill added that next year, the group is seeking to double both attendance and the amount of money raised for individuals and their families battling ALS.

In addition, the event organizer and local restaurant owner wanted to thank all attendees and borough residents, as well. “This is just a great community, and people certainly answered the bell on this one,” said Mr. O’Neill.

Mr. Magovern also extended his gratitude to the town. “I would like to thank the community of Manasquan, they’ve really jumped behind the event. . . everyone was there for the right reason.”

“You reach so many people in one little area,” said Jim O’Neill, 47, a gymgoer and the event organizer. “These guys are all affluent people who are willing to help. Where else would I have that command of attention?”

The gymgoers who were stopped in the lobby were asked to take a dip in the chilly Atlantic Ocean and to wrangle friends and family to sponsor the stunt. The more the volunteers raised, the more prizes they would receive: a beach towel for bringing in $500, a robe adorned with the slogan “Jump In and Feel the Love” for $1,000.

As gym memberships swell, a vanguard of owners has begun to mobilize customers to contribute to charity. The most committed clubs have hired so-called outreach coordinators to encourage the clientele to donate; others have employees spread the word about an upcoming fund-raiser one treadmill at a time.

By NORA ISAACS Published: February 15, 2007