CORTEZ – The annual Clancy’s New Year’s Day Shamrock Shiver charity event looked a little different from prior years, but the goal was still the same – to raise money for local charities.
In previous years, members of the community have plunged into the chilly Gulf waters to raise donations for charitable organizations.
Following the hurricanes, Clancy’s decided to replace the Shamrock Shiver plunge with an ice bucket challenge. Community members raised donation pledges for local charities Healthy Teens, Take Stock in Children and Mothers Helping Mothers.
After getting doused with a bucket of ice water, Tom Overmier said he has participated in the event for the past 16 years.
“This is for helping kids,” Overmier said. “That’s why I do it.”
Healthy Teens is dedicated to empowering youth to make positive, healthy decisions for their success and wellbeing.
“We provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed choices about their physical, mental and emotional health,” according to the organization’s mission statement.
Take Stock in Children Inc. is a nonprofit mentoring, college success and college scholarship organization dedicated to transforming Florida one student at a time, according to its mission statement.
Mothers Helping Mothers provides basic necessities for families and children, including baby items, free to families in Manatee and Sarasota counties.
The ice bucket challenge was followed by music by the Dr. Dave Band, along with door prizes, raffles and a silent auction.
More than $438,000 has been raised for local charities since the annual fundraiser began in 2009. The target goal for 2025 was $40,000.
