‘Freezin’ for a Reason’: Hundreds of Staten Islanders dive into Polar Plunge 2024

New York’s Staten Island. The annual Staten Island Polar Plunge took place at The Vanderbilt on Father Capodanno Boulevard in South Beach on Sunday, December 8, attracting people from Staten Island, Brooklyn, and beyond on a gorgeous, bright (and cold!) morning.

With temperatures in the 50s and uncommonly warm, the Freezin’ for a Reason event united people, businesses, schools, and community organizations to support the largest fundraiser for Special Olympics New York.

After registration opened at 10 a.m., competitors were plunging into chilly waters at 11:30 a.m. to raise money for initiatives that enable people with intellectual disabilities to participate in Olympic-style sports.

Claire from Brooklyn, who did not want to reveal her last name, stated, “I have been participating in the Polar Plunge for four years in order to support my cousin, who has special needs.” The atmosphere is consistently upbeat, and it’s satisfying to give up something for a worthy cause.

To see you freezing your ass off, your friends and relatives are eager to give money that they otherwise wouldn’t. You create many enjoyable memories.

Therefore, the Polar Plunge was more than just a cold-weather adventure. The goal was to make a difference and provide chances; the money raised would support athletes’ training, competition, and better lifestyles.

On Sunday, December 8, 2024, hundreds of people participated in the Staten Island Polar Plunge at The Vanderbilt on Father Capodanno Boulevard, plunging into Midland Beach in support of the Special Olympics. (Dr. Gracelyn Santos/Staten Island Advance)The Staten Island Advance/Dr. Gracelyn Santos

THE BEST FUNDRAISERS

A ceremony honoring the top fundraisers kicked off the event in the Vanderbilt ballroom. The Hill Koalas’ Francesca Scarso spearheaded the initiative, raising an incredible $10,050. Team Manresa and Jack Muraca came next with an equally astounding $9,065.25.

Charles Francis of Farrell Pride provided $1,745, Olivia Aversa of the Hill Koalas contributed $2,000, and Donald Bailey of the King’s County Crusaders contributed $2,906 as well. With John Cerda raising $1,685, Thomas Dembinski raising $1,500, Paul Cannavo raising $1,225, and Edward and Tom Thatcher each raising $1,000, Team Manresa had a strong presence.

Other notable donors were Charles Shelley of the King’s County Crusaders ($1,104.58), Emma Casey of Packer Collegiate Institute ($1,200), and Gary Pierre of Bank of America ($1,590).

Go to the Polar Plunge fundraiser website to donate.

A PASSION TO CHANGE THINGS

In addition to having frozen toes, participants received prizes like Polar Plunge hoodies, hours of community work, and notoriety in fundraising organizations.

Participants from Monsignor Farrell High School were supported by friends and family, including 11-year-olds Cassidy D. Acunto and Juliet Codoner.

Hundreds of high school students, including teenagers Ian Frempong and Bayo Maathey, took part in the event. Despite his aversion to the cold, Frempong was taking part for the second year. He stated, “I’m doing this to give back to the community and those who have given so much to us, as well as to help those in need and those who are less fortunate.”

It was a novel experience for Maathey, who was driven by his desire to change things. He added that he truly likes the cold and stated, “I want to help and bring awareness to Special Olympics.” He carried towels, water shoes, and a warm change of clothes, much like other plungers do before plunging into the ocean.

The Bay Ridge Beached Whales, a notable group, commemorated their 15 years of diving together. Elisa Lennon, Marie Lennon, Helen Mitchell, Lisa Murphy, and Maureen Spencer, all dressed in red, white, and blue, smiled as they dived into the icy water.

They joked that today is a beautiful day in contrast to last year, which was really cold. We made very little preparation. They emphasized that we are already accustomed to it.

Hundreds of borough residents were Freezin’ for a Reason on Sunday, December 8, during the Staten Island Polar Plunge. Francesca Scarso of the Hill Koalas was the top fundraiser, raising an incredible $10,050. Team Manresa and Jack Muraca came next with an equally astounding $9,065.25. According to Dr. Gracelyn Santos, the Staten Island Advance

In support of the Special Olympics, hundreds of participants dove into Midland Beach on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at The Vanderbilt on Father Capodanno Boulevard, where Monsignor Farrell High School students took part in the Staten Island Polar Plunge. (Dr. Gracelyn Santos/Staten Island Advance)Advance of Staten Island/Dr. Gracelyn Santos

An image from Sunday, December 8, 2024, during the Staten Island Polar Plunge. Participants Andrew, Kelly, and John Graham are shown in the photo. (Dr. Gracelyn Santos/Staten Island Advance)Advance of Staten Island/Dr. Gracelyn Santos

Bayo Maathey and Ian Frempong.The Staten Island Advance/Dr. Gracelyn Santos

In support of the Special Olympics, hundreds of people plunged into Midland Beach on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at The Vanderbilt on Father Capodanno Boulevard, where St. Joseph Hill Academy students participated in the Staten Island Polar Plunge. (Dr. Gracelyn Santos/Staten Island Advance)2024 Polar Plunge

The Vanderbilt on Father Capodanno Boulevard on Sunday, December 8, 2024, during the Staten Island Polar Plunge. Students from Notre Dame Academy are shown. (Dr. Gracelyn Santos/Staten Island Advance)2024 Polar Plunge

L-r: Ava Danielsen, Claire Keag, and Ryan Burke. (Staten Island Advance/Dr. Gracelyn Santos)The Polar Plunge

The Vanderbilt on Father Capodanno Boulevard on Sunday, December 8, 2024, during the Staten Island Polar Plunge. Cassidy D. Acunto and Juliet Codoner, both 11 years old, are shown here supporting Monsignor Farrell High School athletes. (Dr. Gracelyn Santos/Staten Island Advance)Advance of Staten Island/Dr. Gracelyn Santos

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