Join Hearty Roots for the first ever “Plunge for a Purpose” charity event on Monday, Jan. 1 from noon to 2 p.m. Gather at the shore of Pemaquid with your hardy community by plunging into the bold Atlantic on New Year’s Day. Set your intention for the year while resetting your system! Participants can plunge, party, or cheer, depending on one’s sensibilities. All ticket sales will support Hearty Roots, a Lincoln County-based youth organization dedicated to getting local kids “off the grid and into their hearts” by helping them mindfully engage with nature in every season. 

“Plunge for a Purpose” is the sister event to Hearty Roots’ popular summer fundraiser, “Paddle for a Purpose,” each one a community event that gathers nature-lovers of all ages to the water with intention. All proceeds will benefit the mindful, adventurous work of Hearty Roots as they mentor youth to become good stewards of their mental health, and the land. 

"What better way to support kids than to have a lot of fun while doing it?” said Haley Bezon, founder and director of Hearty Roots. Hearty Roots nurtures the precious partnership between mental wellness and physical adventure for 250 kids annually as they mentor local youth in the exploration of Maine’s wild places. 

“Plunge for a Purpose” is sponsored by First National Bank. “We pride ourselves on being a community bank, and we are dedicated to supporting community initiatives that bring people together in awareness and joy,” said Susan Norton, EVP /chief administrative officer for First National Bank.

Hearty Roots kids spend a lot of time on the water. In kayaks. Canoes. In the muddy spaces between land and waves. So, join them: 

The Plunge: Starting on the shores of Pemaquid, participants will plunge into the waves at noon, at near high tide. Arrival begins at 11:30 when coffee and pre-plunge pastries will be provided by local vendors. Plungers are asked to consider their ability to submerge in the cold ocean, and if the conditions don’t feel right, they will be invited to participate by purchasing a ticket to cheer others on and enjoy the after party of snacks, hot drink, music and laughter.

The Party: Beginning at 12:30, Hearty Roots will surround you with warmth in the form of friends new and old, laughter, celebration, snacks and hot drink.   

The Presents: In appreciation for your support, Hearty Roots will gift a unique, adventure-based present to the first 100 participants. Presents-for-a-purpose items include gift certificates to Reny’s & Sherman’s bookstores, fine vegan leather journals, camp chairs, day outing backpacks, stainless steel mugs, yoga mats, and other inspired items. 

Tickets: Tickets for the plunge and party are $50. (Kids plunge free, but must be accompanied and supervised by their grown up.) Plungers can reserve their ticket and pay in advance. Better yet, Hearty Roots encourages you to network with friends to have them sponsor you in a ‘plungathon,’ raising a minimum of the ticket price. Bring your collected donations to the event, with the sign-up form from the Events Page at heartyroots.org. All participants—regardless of which option they choose, will present one check made payable to Hearty Roots.)

Join Hearty Roots for laughter, speaker music, hot drinks, friendships, bakery snacks, and empowering beginnings. For more information on the event, how Hearty Roots is changing the landscape of mental wellness services, year-round programming, teen retreats, summer offerings for youth, or sponsoring a child’s hearty adventure through scholarship, visit heartyroots.org.  Hearty Roots can’t wait to join you on the water, paddling for a purpose.