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‘Guinea Dipping’ raises $10K for GRA

By Melany Slaughter on March 19, 2025
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The Gloucester Rowing Association’s “Guinea Dipping” raised about $10,000 for the organization Saturday and saw about 40 people jump into the York River.

About 40 rowers, coaches, rowing alumni and community supporters hopped into the cold waters of the York River Saturday in support of the Gloucester Rowing Association’s “Guinea Dipping” event at Gloucester Point Beach. The GRA doubled its original event fundraising goal of $5,000.

Money raised will allow the GRA to purchase a new SpeedCoach GPS, as well as three used boats. About 150 people attended the event, which included, in addition to the polar plunge, raffles, food, music and more.

The late Charles L. Shank Sr. was also honored during Saturday’s activities. A boat was commemorated in his memory with his wife, Natasha, and children, Aaron and Jasmyn, in attendance. GRA coach Jack Moore led the commemoration ceremony.

Ken Houtz Chevrolet is working with GRA to help the organization find a suitable truck at an affordable cost. Some of the funds raised Saturday will go towards the cost of the truck.

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MELANY SLAUGHTER / GAZETTE-JOURNAL At Saturday’s “Guinea Dipping” event at the Gloucester Point Beach, Aaron Shank unveils the boat commemorated for the memory of his late father, Charles L. Shank Sr. Shown, from left, is his sister Jasmyn, mother Natasha and Gloucester Rowing Association coach Jack Moore standing behind him in support. Below, dippers get ready for the big event.
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