17th Annual Long Beach Polar Bear Super Bowl Splash Raises Over $450,000

LONG BEACH, NY - With temperatures in the 40’s, thousands turned out to Long Beach for the 17th annual Long Beach Polar Bear Super Bowl Splash, benefiting Make-A-Wish, on Feb. 7.

About 20,000 people, many in sea-themed or super hero costumes, cheered on the spirited swimmers, and supported the worthy cause.

The event raised over $450,000 to grant the wishes of area children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Since the event began in 2000, the Long Beach Polar Bears Super Bowl Splash has raised over $5.2 million for Make-A-Wish.

The February swim is held annually in honor of young Paulie Bradley, who passed away at age 4, in 1997, before his wish could be granted.

The community-driven event has grown every year since founded by Pete and Barbara Meyers, Kevin and Judy McCarthy, and Mike and the late Patti Bradley, Paulie’s parents.

“We are in awe of the Long Beach Polar Bears and the Long Beach community for their unwavering and joyful commitment to wish kids,” Pat Clemency, President and CEO, Make-A-Wish Metro New York and Western New York said. “More than 500 children in our area have had their wishes come true because of their generosity. Their achievement in raising more than $5 million with this event is a testament to the extraordinary power of a community coming together. We cannot thank them enough.”

Check out a video of the event taken by local resident Jason Belsky.

Photo 1 courtesy of Marisa Pugliese

Photos 2 and 3 courtesy of Katie Burnett