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Hundreds Plunge into Hempstead Harbor and Raise Over $60k for Special Olympics


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 10, 2016
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Hundreds Plunge into Hempstead Harbor and Raise Over $60k for Special Olympics

North Hempstead, NY – – North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the Town Board teamed up with Special Olympics New York for the 12th Annual Town of North Hempstead Polar Plunge this past Saturday at North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington. Several hundred brave souls gathered for the event and sprinted into the frigid 40 degree waters of Hempstead Harbor at 12 noon.

Prior to the plunge, Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth opened the program by thanking the Special Olympics and the Polar Plunge committee for their relentless dedication to the goal of raising funds for Special Olympics athletes.

“It is always such a thrill to see so many brave and enthusiastic participants here every year to benefit such an important cause,” Supervisor Bosworth said. “Special Olympics New York plays such a critical role in allowing those with intellectual disabilities to have the opportunity to participate in sanctioned athletics all while enhancing social skills and building life-long friendships.”

Among those who took the plunge this year was Town Clerk Wayne Wink. Council member Lee Seeman was also on hand and joined Supervisor Bosworth in the ‘Chicken Coop,’ which allowed those who prefer not to plunge, but still would like to support the cause, to do so.

The $61,500 raised will help support more than 200 Special Olympics athletes for a full year. This event is part of more than a dozen Polar Plunges annually in New York, which last year raised nearly $1 million for Special Olympics New York.


From left, Special Olympics athlete Erin Lipinksy who raised $3,000 for Special Olympics; Jimmy Sanders, Great Neck Alert Fire Company; Tom McDonough, Polar Plunge Committee; Supervisor Judi Bosworth; John Motchkavitz; and unknown.

Supervisor Bosworth and Council Member Lee Seeman pose with the Polar Plunge Bears, and the Chicken from the Chicken Coop, along with other participants.

Plungers dive into Hempstead Harbor!


  

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