LADACIN Plunge in Manasquan benefits people with disabilities

More than $70,000 was raised this year at the Annual LADACIN Plunge! Cold temperatures and snowflakes falling did not stop the supporters of LADACIN Network, a local nonprofit, from jumping into the frigid Atlantic Ocean to enrich the lives of people with disabilities at the 12th Annual LADACIN Plunge at Main Beach in Manasquan on Saturday, January 18, 2020. 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 was founded and organized by Joseph J. Russell, Jr., Esquire of Manasquan, Shareholder and Chair of the Family Law Department at Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer. Joe’s 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 eleven years. Participants were led to the beach by a U.S. 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 snow and the icy cold water, over 200 brave souls charged into the surf! After the plunge everyone warmed up at the after party. Leggett’s provided delicious hot food and cold drinks. The afternoon festivities included great music supplied by 95.9 WRAT, a 50/50 raffle and a costume contest. Prizes were awarded to the top three individuals/teams who displayed the most creative costumes.

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.