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Published on February 04, 2025
The 14th annual Olga Ezis Plunge for Hunger took place Feb. 1 at 12 p.m. at Lauter Park in Willimantic. Hosted by Eastern Connecticut State University’s men’s rugby team, the event benefits the Covenant Soup Kitchen through donations while members of the Willimantic community jump into the freezing cold Natchaug River.
Windham Mayor Tom DeVivo attended the event and recognized the importance of the Covenant Soup Kitchen and the need to continue fundraising efforts. He emphasized how essential the organization is to the community and how events like the plunge play a role in supporting those in need.
“The Covenant Soup Kitchen provides a lot of food for a lot of people in the community,” DeVivo said. “I hope this event never comes to an end.”
More than 500 people attended, including community members, friends, family, Eastern students and alumni. Among them was Malek Allari ’24, a former member of the rugby team, who participated for the third time.
“I feel good about this,” Allari said. “It’s for a good cause and has health benefits.” He also highlighted the rugby team’s ongoing support for the Covenant Soup Kitchen. “When I was a player, we would volunteer there at every (opportunity). It’s a pleasure doing it, and I will continue to.”
A signature part of the plunge is the creative and often humorous costumes participants wear when diving into the freezing water. “Mostly they are just running jokes for the teams,” Allari said. “Sometimes we plan stuff with the boys. You’ll see at least five bananas around.”
The event’s mastermind is men’s rugby coach Ray Aramini, who was the first to jump into the river, sporting a Hello Kitty beanie and carrying a megaphone. Reflecting on the overwhelming support from the community, Aramini expressed gratitude for the way people rally around the soup kitchen in both good times and bad.
“It is very indicative of the community we live in and of Eastern ... that we have people who really care, and it’s important to care,” he said.
Aramini also shared his pride in seeing alumni return to support the cause. “We had rugby guys who graduated 20 years ago come back not just because of rugby but because they believe in the work the soup kitchen does,” he said.
“It silences me with pride when I see people coming. The people who participate don’t do it because they have to. It’s pure love.”
This year’s donation goal was $120,000, which would eclipse the $104,000 raised at last year’s Plunge. Donations will continue to come in and be counted over the next 6 weeks. To make a donation in the name of the plunge, visit the Covenant Soup Kitchen website.
Written by Darlene Orozco B. '28