History...

It all started as a joke ...and has grown to one of the most amazing community events in the region.

In 1992, Dave Taylor Smith, from WVIN/WABH Radio, along with his morning show partner, were bantering on air that everyone seemed to go to “Myrtle Beach” for Spring Break. Jokingly, they said, “We can go to… Tyrtle Beach!...where’s that?...oh, down by Lake Salubria.”

Local businessman Frank Lugiano heard the banter on the air and offered to sponsor the event…”if Dave would go jump in the lake.” Reluctantly, Dave agreed, but had a condition of his own...only if listeners would sponsor him, and if the money would benefit kids. Dave raised $1,572 that year, and 16 organizations received funding.

There was plenty of encouragement from radio station friends and listeners, so Dave jumped again the next year, raising just over $5,000. In fact, Dave jumped into the freezing water seven years in a row, before his doctors said it was time to find someone else. So in 1998, Sheriff Walt Delap became the first in what is now a long line of “celebrity” jumpers to “jump in for the kids”. Click here for a complete list of these amazing community heroes.

When it all started in 1992 nobody imagined Tyrtle Beach would be so successful. Over 31 years, however, more than $775,000 has been raised for youth programs, and now, kids who benefited from Tyrtle Beach in the early years are adults who are raising funds for the next generation.

Tyrtle Beach is… local communities supporting kids.

"Wow! Super energy, enthusiasm, and success! These three and more is what Tyrtle Beach is all about!"

- Gary S. Pruyn
Former Director Steuben County Youth Bureau

"One of the special things about Tyrtle Beach to me is that it benefits so many kids, in so many area communities, who participate in so many different activities."

- Tom Hagadorn
Retired Educator, Coach & 2000 Jumper