CAMBRIDGE — The ever-popular Santa Swim for 2019 will once again be hosted by The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina. The Santa Swim will be held on Dec. 14, with the on-site registration beginning at 9:15 a.m. with Santa and Mrs. Claus leading the way to the river at 10 a.m.

Since 2003 The Hyatt has hosted this yearly tradition of the Care and Share Fund Dorchester. The Santa Swim now in its 19th year was first held in 2000 and is a major fundraiser for Care and Share. Dedicated to raising funds to help individuals and families in need of assistance, the Care and Share Fund Inc. is a local nonprofit 501c3 formed in 1998 to serve Dorchester County.

Dave Cannon, C&S board president said, “Our mission is to help enhance vital needs such as doctor visits, prescriptions, eye care and other health concerns of our local less fortunate citizens.”

Care and Share in cooperation with the Department of Human Services also helps provide financial assistance where the lack of necessities such as heat, water, electricity would create a health risk or a medical emergency.”

Mr. Cannon added, “the annual Santa Swim is a fun way to raise the money needed to help support the programs we administer. While incurring minimal operating cost because of generous donors like our new sponsor Koons Toyota of Easton, The Care and Share Fund of Dorchester has no paid staff and receives yearly donations to underwrite expenses, which allows the funds raised to go directly to the least fortunate in Dorchester County.”

Between now and Dec. 14, individuals will be gathering sponsors, while businesses and organizations will be forming teams to participate in the swim. An addition to the swim is the “Hot Tub Club,” participants who can’t or won’t brave the “Cool Crisp” waters of the Choptank River may make their donation and enjoy the warm soothing waters of the Hyatt Hot Tub, which will qualify them as a Santa Swim participant.

Participants of the Santa Swim will be competing for first place trophies in the following categories: individual, teams (i.e., fraternal, auxiliary, church, etc.), and business.

A Santa Swim team is a group of individuals who raise funds together. Teams may choose to take the plunge together or appoint a Team Captain to take the plunge. The rules do warn: “Throwing a member of the team into the river does NOT constitute the selection of a captain.”

Each participant will receive a Santa hat the day of the swim which will identify them as a Santa for a Day. Santa’s helpers will be handing out a towel to each Santa as they come out of the Choptank to wrap in, just for a little warmth.

Immediately following the swim, the Hyatt will host its very popular “Survivors Celebration” which offers wonderful refreshments including hot and cold beverages, chili and other treats all provided by The Hyatt Chesapeake Golf Resort Spa and Marina. Also Helping out with registration and setup is Partners in Giving Inc. (formerly Cambridge Quota Club), who have supported the Santa Swim ever since its inception.

Don’t forget — The Santa Swim will be held on Dec. 14, with the on-site registration beginning at 9:15 a.m. with Santa and Mrs. Claus leading the way to the river at 10 a.m.

For more information about the Santa Swim, pledge forms, to donate, to pre-register for the swim, or to view photos of previous swims please visit the Care and Share Fund web site at www.careandsharefund.org or contact Dave Cannon at 410-924-0321.