In its twentieth year, the Polar Bear Plunge, a New Year’s Day celebration hosted on the scenic shores of East Hampton, attracted an astonishing 600 participants. Held in conjunction with East Hampton Ocean Rescue and the YMCA Hurricanes, this adventurer’s meet has grown into a community mainstay and an essential source of funding for the East Hampton Food Pantry.
Encountering icy seas as a background, the event attracted a large number of spectators and participants willing to jump in, each committed to addressing and fighting food poverty. This year’s plunge allows the community to support individuals in need and address crucial food issues. The event is believed to have raised an astounding $35,000.
Beyond merely a fearless plunge into the icy ocean, the Polar Bear Plunge offered a complete experience. To guarantee the comfort and delight of participants, local companies volunteered necessary comforts. Hot chocolate and soup were kindly provided by Bonfire Coffee, the East Hampton Lions Club, Wainscott Seafood Shop, East Hampton Kitchen, Estia’s Little Kitchen, M and R Deli, and Golden Pear. These amenities gave courageous plungers a warm respite.
Exclusive skull hats were donated for each participant by Sotheby’s International Realty, the main sponsor of the event, which provided a special touch. In keeping with the Ladies Village Improvement Society’s contributions to the community, the group’s creative tree-themed costumes won the lively costume competition that was also part of the celebrations.
An annual logo competition was held ahead of the jump for art students at East Hampton High School. The winning piece, created by EHHS senior Gizel Espinal, was used to adorn participant hats and products, adding an artistic touch to the occasion.
This year’s organizers included additional elements in an attempt to improve the overall participant experience and expedite logistics. Prior to the event, excitement was enhanced by banners along Main Street, which were provided by East Hampton Village. After placing an online registration prompt on its website, the East Hampton Food Pantry improved efficiency as over 200 people signed up ahead of time to avoid the lineups at the beach.
East Hampton Food Pantry’s chair, Vicki Littman, emphasized the critical role that gatherings like the Polar Bear Plunge have in advancing their goals. East Hampton, a picture of prosperity to many, faces a hidden struggle. Food poverty in East Hampton is typically made worse by the winter. The pantry provided food to nearly 2,500 people in 850 houses in December alone. Littman emphasized that contributions are the pantry’s only source of funding and spoke about the importance of the Polar Bear Plunge in keeping shelves stocked for the community’s working families and elders.
The community’s constant support is evident in the success of this year’s Polar Bear Plunge, which is still being counted in the final results. All money received will surely have a significant effect, strengthening the East Hampton Food Pantry’s capacity to address and reduce hunger in the neighborhood. Once again, the event has cemented its long-standing status as a fun and significant yearly tradition.
