Neighbor News
Town of Brookhaven’s Seventh Annual “Polar Plunge” Raises More Than $140,000 to Benefit Special Olympics
Town of Brookhaven and the Special Olympics of New York hosted the seventh annual "Polar Plunge: Freezin' for a Reason" at Cedar Beach.
On November 20, the Town of Brookhaven and the Special Olympics of New York hosted the seventh annual “Polar Plunge: Freezin’ for a Reason” at Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai. More than 700 plungers, including Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Councilman Kevin LaValle and many Town employees, braved the ice-cold water of the Long Island Sound to collectively raise over $140,000 for the Special Olympics.
Pictured above are Supervisor Ed Romaine; Special Olympics NY Regional Director Diane Colonna; athletes Brian Schiralli, Alyssa Scroope and TJ Timmons; Councilwoman Jane Bonner; athlete Daniel Fletcher; Councilman Kevin LaValle and Special Olympics NY Associate Director of Development Jennifer Cantone. Kneeling are JVC Broadcasting’s Jay Letterman and Councilman Michael Loguercio.
Supervisor Ed Romaine said, “Congratulations to the Special Olympics of New York for another successful Polar Plunge. This event has become a great tradition here in Brookhaven Town and I thank all the plungers, volunteers, Town employees, and first responders for helping these dedicated athletes achieve their dreams.”
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Councilwoman Bonner said, “The Polar Plunge is a great way to show how much Brookhaven cares about the Special Olympic athletes and their families. This was my seventh Polar Plunge and every year we have a wonderful time despite the cold. Thanks to the volunteers and my fellow plungers for making it such a success.”
Councilman LaValle said, “It was my third Polar Plunge and the water was cold, but I had great time with all the others who were freezin’ for a reason. The Special Olympics athletes and volunteers are an inspiration for all of us and I am happy to do my part to help.”
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“It’s great to see the enthusiasm of the plungers even though they are getting ready to jump into very cold water,” said Councilman Loguercio. “The Special Olympics is a great organization that helps so many people with special needs compete on a high level to achieve their goals and I am proud to lend my support.”
Special Olympics New York, Long Island Region has 4,000 athletes training and competing year-round in 22 Olympics-style sports. The athletes and their families or caregivers are never charged to participate. It costs $400 to support training and competition for one athlete for one sports season. For more information about the Special Olympics New York, go to www.specialolympicsny.org.
