Farmingville, NY – On November 18, the Town of Brookhaven and the Special Olympics of New York hosted the eighth annual “Polar Plunge: Freezin’ for a Reason” at Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai. Nearly 800 plungers, including Councilwoman Jane Bonner and many Town employees, braved the cold water of the Long Island Sound to collectively raise over $140,000 for the Special Olympics of New York. Councilwoman Bonner, who led the “Frozen Eagles Team” at the plunge, helped to raise over $3,000 for the Special Olympics.
Pictured left to right are athletes Karen Esposito, Michael Kessler and Matthew Schuster; Councilwoman Jane Bonner; Supervisor Ed Romaine; athletes TJ Timmons and Daniel Fletcher.
Supervisor Ed Romaine said, “Congratulations to the Special Olympics of New York for another successful Polar Plunge. I commend the volunteers, plungers, Town employees, police, fire and ambulance staff who worked so hard to help make this event a big success.”
Photo at left are “Frozen Eagles” team members Frankie Anzaldi (left), Councilwoman Bonner (center) and Quentin Palifka (right) celebrating their successful plunge.
Councilwoman Bonner said, “The Polar Plunge is such a great opportunity to help make a difference in someone’s life. This was my ninth Polar Plunge and I am always inspired by the Special Olympic athletes and volunteers who make this event a success every year.”
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.
Division of Public Information * Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone 631-451-6595