“Dunk Tank” Generates $1,400 for CES
Chatham Emergency Squad
A Soaking for the Squad – Politicians, Police Officers and EMTs Sent Plunging into Cold Water for Worthy Cause
Residents and visitors of the Chathams who enjoyed the festivities at the annual Fishawack Festival held on Saturday, June 8 in Chatham Borough were treated to the first-ever “dunk tank”. For a donation of $5 for 3 attempts, kids and adults were invited to have a little fun and try their hand at sending local politicians, police officers and members of the Chatham Emergency Squad into cold water.
Chatham Township resident Lisa McHugh and her husband, Committeeman Marty McHugh, pitched the idea to the Emergency Squad in March. They generously rented the 500-gallon tank, filled it with water and enlisted colleagues and local “celebrities” to take their seat on the platform. Tickets sold briskly with all proceeds benefiting the Chatham Emergency Squad.
106 tickets in total were sold for residents to take their aim at elected officials including Chatham Township Committee members Marty McHugh, Jennifer Rowland and Mark Lois, and Chatham Borough Council member and candidate for Morris County Commissioner, Justin Strickland.
137 tickets were sold to dunk Chatham First Responders including Chatham Emergency Squad Training Lieutenant Jon Carlsson, Chatham Emergency Squad member and candidate for Chatham Township Committee, Craig Alperowitz, Chatham Township Police Sergeant Scott Herchick and Lafayette School Resource Officer, Charlie Ribaudo.
“The line was down the block once officers Scott Herchick and Charlie Ribaudo took to the booth,” said Chatham Township Committee member Marty McHugh. “It’s as though the kids were in cahoots with one another and planning all year for their moment of retribution on these well-regarded officers. They pulled out all the stops – I think they recruited top pitchers from the Chatham Baseball team and Chatham Sparks when they needed the best closers. We politicians had fun, too – don’t tell anyone, but I made the water just a little colder for the police. All-in-all, it was a terrific day to support one of the town’s most valuable resources – the Chatham Emergency Squad,” he added.
“We are so thankful to Lisa and Marty for their creativity and all the logistics that went into the planning and execution of this event, which greatly benefited our Squad,” said Evan Skinner, president of the Chatham Emergency Squad. “It drew crowds all day which allowed us to watch and have fun throughout the festival. It also brought people to our booth nearby which gave us the opportunity to tell residents about the Squad, what we do for the community and how they can potentially become a member. It was a great day that yielded tremendous results for all,” she added.
CES, Chatham’s all-volunteer emergency medical squad, relies on community donations to fund its day-to-day operations. In addition to responding to your 911 calls, they offer free CPR training to eligible individuals, provide essential transport services, and ensure standby presence at numerous community events. To learn more, donate, or volunteer, visit their website at chathamemergencysquad.org.
Courtesy photos
