Horry County Welcomes New Year with Annual Plunge

News Summary

Horry County is set to celebrate the New Year with its annual New Year’s Plunge at Lakewood Camping Resort. At 2 p.m., participants will brave the chilly Atlantic waters to kick off the year while supporting local charity Help4Kids. The event encourages donations, and attendees can also bring non-perishable food items for the Backpack Buddies program. This year’s plunge also honors Marcus Rhodes with a prestigious nomination for his law enforcement contributions. Join the fun for a good cause this New Year’s Day!

Horry County Rings in the New Year with Fun and Philanthropy at the Annual New Year’s Plunge

Horry County is gearing up for some chilly, but exhilarating fun as the annual New Year’s Plunge is set to kick off on Tuesday at the picturesque Lakewood Camping Resort. At the stroke of 2 p.m., brave souls from all over will be flocking to take a refreshing dip in the ocean, welcoming the new year with a splash!

Winter Wonderland or Beach Bonanza?

For those who might be wondering about the temperature, it’s worth noting that previous plungers highly advise preparing for the unexpected. Participants are recommended to bring a towel or blanket to wrap themselves up after their frosty venture into the waves. Once you experience the bracing Atlantic waters, a bit of warmth goes a long way in keeping those post-plunge chills at bay.

Even better, those who take the plunge will be treated to complimentary hot chocolate afterwards. What better way to warm up than with a steaming cup in hand while giggling about the adventure you just embarked upon?

Join the Fun for a Good Cause

Excitingly, this event is completely free and open to the public, although there’s a suggestive donation of five dollars. This small contribution goes a long way in helping the region’s children in need. Proceeds will directly benefit Help4Kids, a wonderful volunteer-driven organization dedicated to feeding thousands of children in Horry County.

One of the representatives from Help4Kids highlighted how important donations are during this time of year, especially following the holiday season when funds tend to be on the lean side. Every little bit helps in making sure no child goes hungry.

Food Drives a Community Focus

In the spirit of giving, participants are also encouraged to bring along non-perishable food items to donate to the Backpack Buddies program. This program works tirelessly to provide food for children who rely on school meals but need support over the weekends. Items like canned goods, pasta, rice, and cereal will be immensely appreciated, bringing joy to local families who are struggling.

A Special Recognition for a Local Hero

Richard LaMunyon Law Enforcement Torch Run Hall of Fame. This remarkable honor is bestowed upon exemplary individuals in law enforcement, and Rhodes has certainly made his mark.

It’s particularly exciting that Rhodes is only the third South Carolinian to receive such a prestigious recognition. His unwavering dedication of over 31 years to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) program cannot go unnoticed. He has played a pivotal role in fundraising for the Special Olympics South Carolina, contributing a whopping $1.5 million through the Myrtle Beach Polar Plunge over the past 18 years. What an achievement!

Rhodes was celebrated for his outstanding contributions to the LETR program at the recent International Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference held in San Antonio, Texas. Surrounded by friends, fellow LETR members, and his supportive wife, Barbara, this honor highlights not only his commitment to law enforcement but also his heart for the community.

Mark Your Calendars!

So get ready for a wonderful day filled with community spirit, camaraderie, and maybe just a tad bit of ice-cold water. Whether you’re taking the plunge or cheering on from the beach, the annual New Year’s Plunge event promises to be a fantastic start to the new year. With every splash, you’ll be contributing to a greater cause while having fun under the sun!