Are You Up for a New Year's Plunge?

BRADENTON — On a Thanksgiving weekend, 6 years back, a small group of Bradenton beach-loving friends made a promise to meet on the shore January 1 to celebrate their own special corner of Paradise. At their favorite local pub, the talk continued, and a seed was planted. Soon, Clancy’s 1st Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge was born.

With over $100,000 and 80+ participants having taken the plunge, this dedicated group plans its 6th jump into chilly Gulf waters on New Year’s Day 2014 and they'd like you to join them.  

The plunge will continue to benefit children and families in need in Manatee and Sarasota Counties via Caring for Children Charities, d/b/a Florida Winefest & Auction, a 501(c ) 3 not-for-profit organization.

Plunge volunteers can proudly claim that 100% of funds raised go to local programs with the overhead being carried by the Shiver group’s generous sponsors, Clancy’s Irish Pub of Bradenton and Florida Winefest. 

The partnership is a shining example of what can be done when businesses and caring community members put their heads and hearts together. From local restaurants to shopkeepers to next door neighbors, donors adhere to our mantra – GIVE WHERE YOU LIVE, the driving force behind the Shiver’s success.

A few current beneficiaries of the Shiver include:

Web Wise Girls/Manatee County Girls Club - With cooperation from the Sheriff Dept.’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, educates girls about cyber-bullying, sexting and internet safety.

Mothers Helping Mothers - Provides childcare supplies, car seats & cribs or, for some, a bed to sleep in for the first time.

ManaTEENS/Volunteer Services of Manatee County - Teens mentor younger kids in the spirit of volunteerism and community philanthropy.

F.E.L.T. (Feeding Empty Little Tummies) - This most recent recipient group supplies nutritious meals for homeless children via school backpacks. “The number of hungry children is growing faster than we can feed them,” says F.E.L.T. founder, Jane Evers. “We are now in 16 schools and all our donations supply those backpacks.”

A Post-Plunge Party will follow at Clancy’s, 6218 Cortez Rd. W. in Bradenton with door prizes and the Jack Tamburin Band putting the “fun” in fundraising! To plunge for pledges or donate to the cause, please call Clancy’s at (941) 794-2489 or Florida Winefest at (941) 952-1109.