A Little Rain Couldn't Stop These Plungers

Despite the rain throughout the morning on Saturday, there was a "beary" good turn out at this year's Polar Plunge. Even the inclement weather did not discourage these faithful supporters from attending this wacky event at North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington.

Starting at 9 a.m., close to 500 kids, teenagers and adults arrived in shorts, costumes, sweatshirts and raincoats, awaiting the "go ahead" to plunge into the 38-degree water.

"I think it's something everyone should experience at one point in his or her life," said Ryan Lensman, a local college student from Manorhaven. "To see hundreds of people freezing around you and getting ready to jump into 40-degree water is really amazing, especially since we are all doing it for a great cause."

Vinnie LoRe, a Hicksville resident who wears a Superman costume every time he takes the plunge, said the weather wasn't going to stop him from taking part in the event. "I love this fundraiser," LoRe said. "It's awesome! The adrenaline rush I feel is phenomenal. I guess I am an adrenaline junkie!"

Thanks to the hundreds of supporters and volunteers, this year's Polar Plunge raised more than $100,000 to benefit Special Olympics New York and its 48,000 athletes across the state. The Polar Plunge is the largest fundraising effort benefiting the Special Olympics in New York.

Jennifer Woishnis, the Associate Director of Development for the Special Olympics' Long Island Division, is a dedicated member of the Polar Plunge organizational team. She said that this year's sixth annual plunge was a "fantastic success."

"We have reached our goal of making this year another successful plunge — financially, physically, and emotionally," Woishnis said. "We once again brought members of our community together. Both old and new faces took part in this 'Freezin' for a Reason' fundraiser to raise awareness for our athletic programs."

Diane Colonna, the regional director for the Special Olympics, said she finds that the people who partake in the plunge have a "sense of commitment" not found in other fundraising events. "It's amazing," Colonna said. "I have a heard parents say that the Special Olympics has changed their life, as well as their child's. As a result, mine has changed, too. I love this event for that reason."

Steve, a volunteer from Long Beach, has attended the plunge since its inception six years ago. This year was the first time he decided not to grin and "bear" the cold water. "Not my scene this year," he said, "but I still wanted to help. I am dedicated to this cause completely."

Local firefighters and police officers not only took part in the plunge but ran precautionary security in the water and on the beach. T.R. Hughs, a local SWAT member, has taken part in all six Polar Plunges in Port Washington. He attended the event with a team of 25 Port Washington Police Department members. "I love this event because all of my co-workers attend," he said. "It's a great time."

Government officials like New York State Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel and Town of Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman were also among the hundreds that braved the weather and close to freezing water. "I'm happy about the turnout on such a rainy day," Schimel said while greeting attendees in the pouring rain.

The Town of North Hempstead partnered with the Special Olympics three years ago to make the Polar Plunge part of the town's Winter Fest activities. "The volunteers and supporters work very hard, " said Louise Fishman, the Director of Business and Tourism for the Town of North Hempstead. "Being cold for a few hours is very little to give in order to raise money for the Special Olympics. It's phenomenal."

Town of North Hempstead Clerk Leslie Gross said she looks forward to the annual event and was amazed by the outstanding turnout this year. "More awareness is raised through this fantastic event," Gross said. "They even make it happen in the rain!"

For more information on the Special Olympics or information about upcoming Polar Plunges, visit www.specialolympicsny.org.