Edgemere 'Dippers' to Take a Swim for Charity

It's that time of year again when crazy folks are gearing up to dip, dunk, jump, plunge and otherwise throw themselves into frigidly cold water, all in the name of charity.

On Saturday, the same day that thousands of people will descend upon Sandy Point State Park to raise money for Special Olympics of Maryland, a local collaboration of six Ravens Roosts will be carrying out their own version of the now famous fundraiser in Millers Island.

The third annual Dip at the Dock will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Dock of the Bay restaurant.

The six roosts plan to make a day-long party out of the event, with breakfast, a bull roast and games of chance in addition to the outdoor dipping, which is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

While Dock of the Bay is closed for the winter, owner Larry Thanner is opening his building for the fundraiser, and providing breakfast food and the bull roast spread for ticket holders.

Ravens Roosts participating in the fundraiser are Roost No. 5, sponsored by the Battle Grove Democratic Club; Roost No. 55 (Loafers Sports Bar and Grill in Catonsville); Roost No. 60 (The Harp in Perry Hall); Roost No. 86 (Bay Shore Bar and Grill in Edgemere); Roost No. 98 (host Dock of the Bay); and Roost No. 116 (Bill Bateman's Bistro in Shrewsbury, PA).

Tickets for the bull roast cost $30 and will be available at the door.

Spectators may also make a donation to the Dip, with all proceeds going to Maryland Special Olympics.

"We'll have some kind of breakfast food available from 10 a.m. to noon, and then we'll put out the bull roast spread from noon until 4 p.m.", Thanner said.

Thanner, who has a grandchild with Down Syndrome, said he opens his restaurant for the event because he has a special place in his heart for Special Olympics.

"It's a cause I take personally," he said.

Rob Long of radio station 105.7 The Fan will serve as master of ceremonies for the day.

The dipping will begin at 1 p.m., with each Roost getting about 30 minutes to be the stars of the day.

Anyone still wanting to dip can sign up the day of the event, fill out the waiver, make a donation and get wet (and cold).

Separate heated dressing tents for men and women will be provided.

While the Dip at the Dock is not affiliated with the Polar Bear Plunge scheduled for the same day at Sandy Point, all proceeds from the local event will go to Special Olympics of Maryland.

Since its inception two years ago, the Dip at the Dock has raised more than $32,000 for Special Olympics.

For more information about Dip at the Dock, call Charlotte Krause, 410-960-2980.

Event Details:

What: Third Annual Dip at the Dock

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 26

Where: Dock of the Bay restaurant, 9025 Cuckhold Point Road, Millers Island

Cost: Bull roast tickets cost $30; additional donations for charity will be accepted by dippers.

Beneficiary: All donations will benefit Maryland Special Olympics.

Information: Charlotte Krause, 410-960-2980