LADACIN Plunge held on January 19

Wanamassa, NJ – Supporters of LADACIN Network, a local nonprofit, started the New Year off with a splash to enrich the lives of people with disabilities at the 11th Annual LADACIN Plunge at Main Beach in Manasquan on Saturday, January 19, 2019. The event was held to 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. The event raised over $75,000 this year for a total of $907,955 in 11 years.

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 coordinated 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 hosted the event, as they have for the past ten years. Participants were led to the beach by a US Marine Corps Color Guard and the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh of Belmar to take the plunge, and 95.9 WRAT was there to broadcast from the event. Despite the frigid water, over 200 brave souls hit the surf! Post-plunge festivities allowed our plungers to “chill out” with a buffet lunch provided by Leggett’s, a 50/50 raffle and a costume contest. Prizes were awarded to the top three individuals/teams who displayed the most creative costumes. Several plungers earned incentives, comprised of an event long-sleeve t-shirt, ski hat, fleece blanket or a full-zip fleece by reaching their fundraising milestones. The more money they raised the more items they received.

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.