10th Annual LADACIN Plunge in Manasquan to Benefit LADACIN Network

Supporters of LADACIN Network, a local nonprofit, are ready to face a cold dip in the Atlantic to enhance the lives of people with disabilities at the 10th Annual LADACIN Plunge at Main Beach in Manasquan on Saturday, January 13, 2018. The event will support LADACIN’s educational, therapeutic, social, residential and support services for over 3,500 infants, children and adults with complex physical and developmental disabilities or delays living in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

All proceeds from the event support the J. Michael Hartnett Memorial to benefit LADACIN Network. Over the past nine years over $743,600 has been raised to help fund adult programs, speech, physical and occupational therapies, and critical repairs and improvements in LADACIN’s residences. Last year over 200 people took the frigid plunge and 1,000 spectators came out to donate and enjoy the event from the sidelines.

Joseph J. Russell, Jr., of Manasquan, Shareholder and Chair of the Family Law Department at Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer P. A., Eatontown and Woodbridge, founded and continues to coordinate the event. His cousin Elizabeth “Liz” Hartnett is a client of LADACIN Network, and has inspired his involvement in supporting the Agency. Liz’s father, J. Michael Hartnett, was a long-time Agency Board member and advocate for people with disabilities.

Leggett’s Sand Bar & Restaurant in Manasquan will host the event, as they have for the past nine years. On-site registration will begin at Leggett’s at 10:30 am on January 13th. At 12:30 pm, participants will be led to the beach by a US Marine Corps Color Guard and the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh of Belmar to take the plunge. 95.9 WRAT will be there to broadcast from the event. Post-plunge festivities include a buffet lunch for all registered plungers provided by Leggett’s, which will also be available to spectators for a contribution of $20. Other post-plunge festivities include a 50/50 raffle and a costume contest. Prizes will be awarded to the top three individuals/teams who display the most creative costumes.

Information on Plunge sponsorships, pre-event registration and donations may be found online by visiting www.ladacin.org and going to Events, or by contacting Cathy Claps at 732.493.5900 ext. 263. To learn more about LADACIN Network, visit www.ladacin.org or call LADACIN’s Director of Development, Luisa Vroman at 732.493.5900 ext. 266.