CHATHAM – Beginning in 2008, members of the Chatham Fire Department have taken part in an April Fools’ Day “plunge” at one of our local beaches. In the first year, there was only ten participants and $200 raised. The participants vowed to get together every year and to spread the word, hoping more people would join in the fun. It was decided that each year, we would raise money for a different local individual or family in need, usually to assist with the financial burden of an illness or injury. Each year, the swim has grown immensely, both in the number of participants and in the funds raised. In 9 years of publicly advertising the swim, nearly $116,000 has been raised for local families. Aside from the financial assistance, the huge crowd generates an enormous emotional boost for the recipient and his/her family. It is truly a testament to the resolve of our local community, and it exemplifies the importance of everyone looking out for each other in our small community.
This year marks the 11th year that the April Fools from Chatham Fire have led the community into the frigid waters. On Monday, April 2, 2018 at 4 pm, the Fools will be swimming for Neville Coomber and his family. Neville passed away suddenly and unexpectedly last April at the age of 47, while working at his job as a chef at Eastward Ho! Country Club in Chatham, MA. Neville met his beloved wife Megan while working at Eastward Ho! Neville and Megan have three children: Cameron (age 17), Tristan (age 14) and Isabella (age 11). Neville has lived in Harwich since he was 3 years old, graduating from Harwich High School in 1987. Please come out and help us celebrate Neville’s life and offer some emotional and financial support to Megan and the children. 100% of your donations go directly to the Coomber family to assist them in any way they see fit. We hope to make this our biggest and best swim yet. There is no better way to slam the door on the lovely winter season than to take your first refreshing dip of the year!
Please join us Monday, April 2nd at 4:00 pm at Hardings Beach in Chatham. Please note that the date of the swim is not April Fools Day this year due to conflicts with Easter Sunday. Donations of all amounts are graciously accepted. A free post-swim BBQ will take place at the Chatham VFW, immediately following the swim.
If you would like to donate but are not able to attend, cash and checks can be sent to:
April Fools
Chatham Fire Department
135 Depot Rd.
Chatham, MA 02633
(508) 945-2324
