Sarasota city employees get dunked for charity

After the fifth or sixth time Deputy Police Chief Stephen Moyer fell in the water, a problem arose: he lost his wig on the way out.

He paused to reaffix the long, purple hair to his head, and took his seat in the dunk tank, ready to fall again.

Moyer was the first of five city employees to spend time in a dunk tank in the city hall parking lot today. The event, which will continue until 2 p.m., is a fundraiser for the United Way Suncoast.

The city of Sarasota holds several fundraisers annually for the United Way, and raised $25,000 for the organization last year, according to a city press release. The United Way Suncoast helps fund more than twenty organizations in Sarasota and DeSoto Counties.

“Through fundraising events like the dunk tank we ultimately can help struggling families achieve financial independence, help people in crisis find stability and help school children get the early start they need to be successful,” said Nancy Ostrander, Director of Donor Relations for the United Way Suncoast, in the release.

Despite repeatedly getting submerged underwater, Moyer said he was glad to be a part of the fundraiser. He said he was a big advocate of the United Way, and worked in support of the organization in Maryland before coming to Sarasota.

"It's just a way of giving back," Moyer said. "My father taught me to always take the time to give back to the community."

 Contact David Conway at [email protected].