The Summit Area YMCA will open the Berkeley Heights Community Pool at the YMCA to four-legged swimmers on Saturday, September 19, from 9 a.m. to noon, for the Doggy Dip Fundraiser, a “Paws for a Good Cause” event benefiting their Annual Fund. 

Before the pool closes for the season, dogs and their owners are invited to take one last splash. A $25 registration donation per dog gives pups the chance to swim while directly supporting the Y’s mission to ensure everyone in the community, regardless of financial circumstance, has access to its programs and services. 

“The Berkeley Heights Community Pool has been a gathering place for our community all summer, and I love that we get to send off the season with something this fun,” said Tammy Como, Executive Director of the Berkeley Heights YMCA. “It’s a small thing, letting the dogs take a dip, but it goes a long way toward making sure our neighbors have access to everything the Y has to offer, no matter their circumstances.” 

Registration donations benefit the Summit Area YMCA Annual Fund, which helps local families access free programming and scholarship support throughout the community, including the Achievers mentoring program for high school students, the 7th Grade Initiative, adaptive programs for individuals with special needs, and scholarships that make childcare, memberships, and camp accessible so cost is never a barrier. 

DOGGY DIP FUNDRAISER DETAILS 
Berkeley Heights Community Pool at the YMCA 
59 Locust Ave, Berkeley Heights, NJ 
Saturday, September 19, 2026 
Small to Medium Dogs (under 40 lbs.): 9 – 10:30 a.m. 
Large Dogs (over 40 lbs.): 10:30 a.m. – noon 

Registration is $25 per dog and benefits the Summit Area YMCA Annual Fund. Dogs must be friendly with people and other dogs and able to swim, as the main pool ranges in depth from 4 to 12 feet; a gated kiddie pool will be available for dogs unable to swim in the main pool. Owners must remain with their dog at all times. A valid dog license, proof of current rabies vaccination, and a signed event waiver are required for participation. This is a weather-dependent event with no rain date. As registration is a charitable donation, it is non-refundable. 

To register a dog or sign the event waiver, visit thesay.org/doggy-dip. To learn more about the Summit Area YMCA Annual Fund, visit thesay.org/giving. For questions, contact Jeramie Barletta at jeramie.barletta@thesay.org.