Watch: Hundreds take the Plunge for Hunger

Hundreds of Eastern students, alumni, and Willimantic community members gathered at Philip Lauter Park in Willimantic to support community members facing food insecurity at the 15th annual Olga Ezis Plunge for Hunger on Feb. 21.

The annual plunge into the Natchaug River raises funds for Covenant Soup Kitchen and is spearheaded by Eastern's rugby club alongside assistant coach Ray Aramini. The event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and involved thousands of participants over its 15-year span.

All proceeds go directly to the soup kitchen and its beneficiaries. "It's a great event for a great cause," said Center for Community Engagement Student Leader Jayson Caballero. "We get to show a lot of spirit."

Ezis, the Plunge’s namesake, was a member of the board of directors at Covenant.

To donate to the Covenant Soup Kitchen in the name of the Plunge for Hunger, visit: https://www.covenantsoupkitchen.org/donation.htm