Swim for Hospice of Rockland Raises Over $8,000

Sunday’s Swim for Hospice event proved to be a success, raising more than $8,000. Though proceeds fell short of the $10,000 campaign goal, the total was high compared to the $4,680 reported a week before the event. 

is an organization that hosts swims nationwide to benefit cancer research. United Hospice of Rockland created its own event this year for the first time in the county. As a result, the proceeds also benefit the New City-based Hospice. 

Participants raced in the 1/2 mile and/or 1 mile swim through Germonds Pool. They had the opportunity to meet ultra-marathon swimmer and Hall of Famer Skip Storch of Nyack.  

A week before the swim, the Town of Clarkstown announced that it would co-sponsor the swim. The town provided hospice with free use of the facility. Germonds has a pool, showers and changing rooms. The town also contributed lifeguards. 

Nine athletes swam at Sunday’s event. Top donors included Ashley Marinello, who raised $1,250 and Judy Pachter who raised $2,700.

Pachter was a member of Team Mark Holland, a team named in honor of the Rockland resident who suggested a Swim Across America event be held locally. Holland passed away unexpectedly in April. The Germonds pool swim was dedicated to him.