Though wretched rip currents forced a last-minute announcement from event organizers that a typical sprint into the Cedar Beach water could not go down, airborne excitement nevertheless defined this year’s Town of Brookhaven Polar Plunge on Saturday, Nov. 23rd.
Sponsored foremostly by the Special Olympics’ Long Island chapter, the “Freezin’ for a Reason!” campaign is annually put on to raise money for the organization that offers athletic opportunities for the intellectually disabled. It cost just a $500 buy-in to sponsor a local Special Olympian participating in the plunge.
The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, Suffolk County Police, the Mt. Sinai and Miller Place Fire Departments, and Suffolk EMS members all assisted in a smoothly coordinated operation, which went off at approximately 11:30 a.m.—especially when it came to the shoreside “spray” audible.
“Cool School” participants who raised $3,000 before Nov. 1st had a banner displayed at the event. $2,500 raisers were inducted into the “Champions Club” and received an exclusive Polar Plunge Snuggie. $1,000 raisers were elected “Grand Club” members and issued a shirt at the event. Collectors of at least $150 received the latest edition of the official Polar Plunge hoodie, and 10 hours of community service logged.
Additional event sponsors who also benefited from vendor appearances on the day include New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, Saf-T-Swim, the Suffolk County Corrections Officers Association (SCCOA), Shirley Feed, Zebra, Chick-fil-A and Taco Island Food Truck.
Big 98.1 Radio—another sponsor—played Christmas classics like “Here Comes Santa Claus” by Gene Autry as plunge "survivors" hurried for warmth under the comfort of layers upon layers of winter clothes and blanketing with a well-welcomed coffee or hot chocolate now in tow.
“I feel like a champ, this is unbelievable,” said Lee Burnett, of Middle Island, shortly after his independent foray into the ice-cold spray while alongside members of Team Sachem.
“I’ve been doing this plunge for the past 5 years. I dress up as Polar Pete every year,” he added. “People love it, I just love doing it. It’s a great organization. And just to spend a little time in the freezing cold for a good reason is just awesome.”