Take a chilly plunge for good cause
Jan. 9—WILLIMANTIC — Hundreds of people are expected to swim in the chilly waters of Lauter Park for a good cause next month.
The 12th Olga Ezis Plunge for Hunger, which is being held on Feb. 4, will raise money for the Covenant Soup Kitchen. With many struggling due to inflation and the ongoing pandemic, there is high demand for the services provided by the kitchen.
" A lot of times the folks at our kitchen are making the decision between buying food or putting gas in their vehicle so they could get to work," said Eastern Connecticut State University Assistant Rugby Coach Ray Aramini, a member of the soup kitchen's board of directors who organizes the event.
The event begins at noon at the park, which is at 625 Jackson St.
It is named after Olga Ezis, a soup kitchen board of directors member and volunteer who died at Christmas time in 2019. Aramini said the goal is to raise $ 150,000 for the kitchen, which is the basement of St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 220 Valley St.
Over the years, the event has grown from a few dozen participants to several hundred.
The Eastern Connecticut State University rugby team is heavily involved in the event and many Eastern rugby players return to participate after graduating from college.
Aramini said he is rarely at a loss for words, but it is heartwarming to see the large turn- out at the event.
"It's just an overwhelmingly proud feeling," he said.
It is the first time in two years that the event is being held in-person.
Last year, it was virtual due to the pandemic.
The soup kitchen services have been in high demand throughout the pandemic.
" During the pandemic, we didn't close down," Aramini said. " We expanded our services."
All services at the soup kitchen are free.
Breakfast and lunch are served seven days-a-week at the kitchen, as well as dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings. When available, baked goods,
PLUNGE, Page 4
