Virtual Shamrock Splash raises $50K for beaches’ free programs

Save the Harbor/Save the Bay’s Virtual Shamrock Splash took place, as its title says, virtually only this year, but that didn’t stop nearly 150 registered Splashers and nearly 750 participants and 28 teams from raising more than $50,000 to support free beach programs from Nantasket to Nahant when the beaches open up later this year. Those beach activities are part of the Better Beaches program partnership with the state Department of Conservation and Recreation. 

This year’s winners, who were among the many participants competing for the likes of free flights from JetBlue and swag from Harpoon Brewery, are:

Jane Kepros, of East Boston, who raised $3,000 and won the prize for biggest fundraiser;
Mark Bisson, of East Boston’s Team HarborKeepers, who won the prize for best costume for his lobster costume; and
Jeremy Reger, of South Boston, and team MassKiting, who the prize for most unique splash for his series of eight splashes.
Kennedy Elsey and Kennedy’s Crew splashed in Quincy and won the prize for largest team.

Emma Leavett from the Dorchester Art Project and Carol Haney from Revere won this year’s raffle.

Some teams and participants splashed to raise funds for their favorite beach, which will be supplemented by additional funds from Save the Harbor’s Better Beaches program.

This year’s totals by beach were:
1.   South Boston – $6,094
2.   Quincy Wollaston Beach – $5,225
3.  East Boston Constitution Beach – $4,845
4.   Lynn and Nahant – $4,710
5.   Revere Beach – $3,395
6.   Winthrop – $3,310
7.   Hull Nantasket Beach – $2,735
8.   Dorchester – $2,490

Since Save the Harbor/Save the Bay began the Splash event during its 25th Anniversary celebration in 2011, thousands of splashers have raised more than $1 million to support free beach events and programs in Hull, Quincy, South Boston, Dorchester, Lynn, Nahant, Revere, Winthrop, and East Boston.
To learn more about Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, visit their website at www.savetheharbor.org and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.