CAMBRIDGE — The 2017 Care and Share Santa Swim will once again be hosted by The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina. Since 2006 The Hyatt has hosted this yearly tradition for the Care and Share Fund Inc. Dorchester County. The Santa Swim will be held on Dec. 9, with on-site registration at 9:15 and the swim beginning at 10 a.m. The Santa Swim was first held in 2000 as a major fundraiser for Care and Share, which is a local nonprofit 501 (c) 3 formed in 1998 to serve Dorchester County. Dedicated to helping individuals and families in need of assistance, the mission of Care and Share Dorchester with the help of the Maryland Department of Social Services is to enhance vital needs such as dental and medical visits, prescriptions, eye care and other health concerns of the local community. C&S also helps provide financial assistance where the lack of basic necessities such as heat, water, and electricity would create a health risk or a medical emergency. Between now and Dec. 9, individuals will be gathering sponsors, while businesses and organizations will be forming teams to participate in the swim. Added to the event a couple years ago was the Hot Tub Club. Participants who are unable to 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 helper. 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, but the more the merrier. The rules do warn that: “Throwing a member of the team into the river does NOT constitute the selection of a captain.” Each participant will receive a Santa Claus hat the day of the swim, which will identify them as a Santa’s Helper for a Day. Led by Santa and Mrs. Claus, Santa’s Helpers will enter the Choptank River at 10 a.m. while Santa’s Elves will be handing out a warm towel to each participant as they come out of the balmy water. Supporting the Santa Swim in numerous ways including publicity, personnel, and so much more, the Hyatt annually hosts a “Survivors Celebration” immediately following the swim which will include entertainment by Summer Snead a young up and coming local vocalist. Also available will be refreshments that include hot and cold beverages, chili and other treats, all provided by The Hyatt Chesapeake Golf Resort Spa and Marina, located on the Choptank River. During the “Survivors Celebration” trophies will be awarded to the top three fundraising teams and the top three individuals. Dave Cannon, board president of The Care and Share Fund, says “I deeply appreciate the Cambridge Quota Club for their many years of support, not only by raising money but volunteering during the event and helping with registration. Also I appreciate the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Resort’s devotion and dedication to the community of Cambridge, while supporting organizations like ours and all they do in the community.” Mr. Cannon, he went on to say “Dorchester has always been known as the Heart of Chesapeake Country which not only applies to the shape of our county but describes the dedicated people of our county as well. They have consistently volunteered time, effort and money to help meet the needs of those less fortunate than ourselves. Even with the economy still in a recovery mode in this area we have seen no lack of support for our fundraising efforts. In fact, the past several years we’ve had an awesome response from our community. Still, much needs to be done to help vulnerable families and adults when misfortune comes. We would like to see our Santa Swim increase to where 15-20 teams compete every year and fundraising doubles.” Mr. Cannon added: “We are very fortunate to have a wonderful board of directors who truly have caring hearts, however we would love to add more members that have the same sense of compassion for our community.” For more information about the Santa Swim, pledge forms, to donate, to pre-register for the swim, to view the mission statement, and more, please visit the Care and Share Fund web site at www.careandsharefund.org or contact Dave Cannon at 410-924-0321. “Volunteer, Donate and Participate.”