YMCA of Reading & Berks County Invites Community to Make a Splash for Berks Youth
Reading, Pa., March 5, 2025 – YMCA of Reading & Berks County will hold its 19th Annual St. Patty’s Marsh Madness Polar Plunge on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Blue Marsh Lake at the Dry Brooks Day-Use Area in Bernville, Pa. 19506. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and the polar plunge starts at 11 a.m.
Immediately following the plunge, there is an on-site awards after-party where the brave polar plungers are recognized with trophies and prizes for achievements such as top fundraisers, the oldest and youngest plungers, best costumes and team spirit, etc.
“Whether you run into the lake, or watch from the sidelines on land, you’ll enjoy the festive atmosphere! It’s a chilly start to the day, but definitely a heart-warming purpose. Having a community rally around this annual fundraiser is a testament to our generous, supportive community who want to see our children grow and thrive. Events like Marsh Madness make funding available so all families have equal access for their children to be involved in high quality programs regardless of their financial situation,” said President & CEO Phillip Borup, YMCA of Reading & Berks County.
All proceeds from Marsh Madness benefit the Y’s Open Doors Scholarship program, which provides financial assistance to children and families based on need and circumstance, regardless of their ability to pay. It gives families access and resources to afford memberships and programs including youth sports, childcare, summer day camp, and swim lessons. YMCA youth programs provide children with the foundational tools and experiences that help them grow academically, physically, mentally and spiritually.
Ways to Get Involved & Make a Splash
- Sign Up to Take the Plunge: To participate, individuals and/or teams can pre-register at www.ymcarbc.org/marsh-madness. Individuals and teams collect pledges from their families, friends and supporters. The Y’s Marsh Madness Facebook page can help spread the word virtually and encourage support with videos, pictures and posts.
- Non-Profit 50/50 Fundraising: Organizations (including school groups, families, sports clubs, etc.) can raise money through pledges and share the proceeds. Through this 50/50 sponsorship, the funds are divided 50% for the group and 50% for the Y for a win-win.
- Become a Sponsor: Sponsorship levels are available for businesses to make a local difference, have team building, and gain visibility.
- Come to Marsh Madness: Everyone is welcome to watch, grab free green smoothies (made fresh on our smoothie-making cycle), and enjoy the shananigans of an entertaining morning!
Last year’s event raised more than $50,000 for the Open Doors Scholarship, helping more than 1,000 individuals with financial assistance including children who were able to attend summer day camp, participate in values-based youth sports programs, and have a safe place to go after school. Participation in programs teaches children life-skills, builds confidence, and gives them joy.
About the YMCA of Reading & Berks County
For 166 years, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County has been a cornerstone in the community, putting Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Driven by its founding mission, the Y is a nonprofit committed to strengthening the community and empowering individuals by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections among 2,700 Ys in 10,000 communities across the United States. The YMCA of Reading & Berks County operates branches in Adamstown, Mifflin, Reading, Sinking Spring and Tri Valley.
