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Dolphin Dip draws thousands in annual fundraiser for Hospice
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TOPSAIL VOICE
By Carol Ross Overstreet
SURF CITY – A large crowd turned out this year to brave the chilly ocean waters for the seventh annual Dolphin Dip on New Year’s Day.
From ages seven to 78, daring bathing suit clad “dippers” waited at the shore in front of Buddy’s Crab House & Oyster Bar for the starting time when all would rush into the 55 degree waters.
While waiting for the event to begin, entertainment was provided by Gracie the clown and Side Show Joe, who juggled fire. A live band also performed music from 11 a.m. until the dip at noon.
This year the crowd was well over the anticipated 3,000 – not counting the bystanders and friends who watched as those brave enough ran into the chilly water to either swim or take a quick dip.
“It feels really good,” said Brian Moxey, organizer of the Dip.
According to Moxey, the reason it feels so good is because the cold water makes the body think it’s going into hypothermic shock, therefore it releases endorphins and adrenalin.
“When you come out of the water you are still on a high,” added Moxey.
Moxey started the event seven years ago, with only 20 people showing up. Each year the crowd grows larger. Since Moxey does not advertise, he attributes this growth to word of mouth.
The Dolphin Dip is a free event, still much work goes into its preparation and Moxey is very grateful to the supportive community and the sponsors who help out every year.
He is very thankful to the local police who go above and beyond in their efforts to make the Dip run smoothly.
“People in the community help out too, said Moxey, “some business hand out free coffee.”
The money raised for this event helps the Lower Cape Fear Hospice and Life Care Center. Last year the Dolphin Dip was able to donate over $10,000.
From ages seven to 78, daring bathing suit clad “dippers” waited at the shore in front of Buddy’s Crab House & Oyster Bar for the starting time when all would rush into the 55 degree waters.
While waiting for the event to begin, entertainment was provided by Gracie the clown and Side Show Joe, who juggled fire. A live band also performed music from 11 a.m. until the dip at noon.
This year the crowd was well over the anticipated 3,000 – not counting the bystanders and friends who watched as those brave enough ran into the chilly water to either swim or take a quick dip.
“It feels really good,” said Brian Moxey, organizer of the Dip.
According to Moxey, the reason it feels so good is because the cold water makes the body think it’s going into hypothermic shock, therefore it releases endorphins and adrenalin.
“When you come out of the water you are still on a high,” added Moxey.
Moxey started the event seven years ago, with only 20 people showing up. Each year the crowd grows larger. Since Moxey does not advertise, he attributes this growth to word of mouth.
The Dolphin Dip is a free event, still much work goes into its preparation and Moxey is very grateful to the supportive community and the sponsors who help out every year.
He is very thankful to the local police who go above and beyond in their efforts to make the Dip run smoothly.
“People in the community help out too, said Moxey, “some business hand out free coffee.”
The money raised for this event helps the Lower Cape Fear Hospice and Life Care Center. Last year the Dolphin Dip was able to donate over $10,000.
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| Online Poll: Would you ever participate in the Dolphin Dip or a similar event? | Topsail High School opens doors to new building |
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