Many take "Leprechaun Plunge" for charity

SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) - Half a dozen charities will share the thousands of dollars raised Sunday during the 4th-annual Leprechaun Plunge for charity. Many community-spirited people took that plunge into the Connecticut River.

Brunelle's Marina in South Hadley was the jumping off point for the Leprechaun Plunge. Hundreds cheered on the ones courageous enough to take the late winter dip for a number of good causes.

Organizer Russell Sawyer told 22News some of the organizations involved. “ Dana Farber, Shriners Hospital, we have some other local charities, scholarship funds, we have the Neighbors Helping Neighbors.”

“We're jumping in to help the Shriners Hospital,” said Matt Minor of South Hadley. “Everything they do is great, it's a good cause.”

22News Storm Team meteorologist Adam Strzempko was the emcee for this year's Leprechaun Plunge. Adam's been a strong supporter of the way the charitable funds have been earmarked. “It's great to be part of this event, it supports so many charities. It goes to very good causes and they definitely receive a lot of money from this event.”

With the money raised through this event, the four year total was certain to surpass $200,000. Proving again that Western Massachusetts has a big heart when it comes to supporting worthy causes.