Volunteer group hosts swim-a-thon
![Volunteer group hosts swim-a-thon Michael O'Krepky dives in to the pool.](http://www.advertisernewssouth.com/binrepository/648x432/0c0/0d0/none/808998/PCOB/NEWS01_140729963_AR_0_0_AS20140723140729963_MG1092231.jpg)
![Volunteer group hosts swim-a-thon Pictured left to right are Sarah Cayan, Carol Fishbone, Elizabeth Smith, Bridget Hilgendorff, of Lake Mohawk Pool and Eleanor Young, of Pass It Along.](http://www.advertisernewssouth.com/binrepository/648x432/0c0/0d0/none/808998/SBOB/NEWS01_140729963_EP_1_0_AS20140723140729963_MG1092232.jpg)
![Volunteer group hosts swim-a-thon Participant Yasmeen Caswell, 12, swam 50 laps.](http://www.advertisernewssouth.com/binrepository/648x432/0c0/0d0/none/808998/RXOB/NEWS01_140729963_EP_2_0_AS20140723140729963_MG1092233.jpg)
![Volunteer group hosts swim-a-thon Swimmers pictured left to right are Yasmeen Caswell, Will Englehardt, Michael O'Krepky, Molly Englehardt and Ella Duphiney.](http://www.advertisernewssouth.com/binrepository/648x432/0c0/0d0/none/808998/UYOB/NEWS01_140729963_EP_3_0_AS20140723140729963_MG1092234.jpg)
![Volunteer group hosts swim-a-thon Swimmer Ella Duphiney takes a break in between laps to kiss her sister, Tessa.](http://www.advertisernewssouth.com/binrepository/648x432/0c0/0d0/none/808998/TEOB/NEWS01_140729963_EP_4_0_AS20140723140729963_MG1092235.jpg)
![Volunteer group hosts swim-a-thon Seven-year-old simmer Ella Duphiney swam 32 laps.](http://www.advertisernewssouth.com/binrepository/648x432/0c0/0d0/none/808998/WFOB/NEWS01_140729963_EP_5_0_AS20140723140729963_MG1092236.jpg)
By Rose Sgarlato
SPARTA — A swim-a-thon was held at the Lake Mohawk Pool on Sunday, July 19, to raise money for Pass It Along and the Lake Mohawk Pool swim team.
Participants swam laps and received donations from sponsors who pledged money for the total laps completed.
It was the first time the swim team has hosted the fundraiser, and they hope to make it an annual event, said Carol Fishbone, of the Lake Mohawk Pool swim team.
“We decided to do the swim-a-thon to benefit the swimmers on the Lake Mohawk Pool swim team but also to teach the swimmers about giving back to the community in which they live," Fishbone said. "Contributing to Pass It Along is one way of doing that.”
Eleanor Young, Director of Fundraising Events for Pass It Along, was at the event to cheer the swimmers.
"This is a fun event, and we are grateful to the swimmers who came out here today and to Greg Leo, owner of Lake Mohawk Pool, who has been a supporter of Pass It Along's programs,” said Young. “He truly embraces the community and the mission of our organization.”
Pass It Along is a nonprofit organization serving the northern New Jersey counties of Sussex, Morris, Essex, and Warren.
Since its inception in 2001, Pass It Along has been committed to helping teenagers become confident, resilient and compassionate through self-discovery, volunteerism and leadership.
For more information visit passitalong.org.
For more information on the swim team visit www.lakemohawkpool.com.
Photos by Rose Sgarlato.