49.0°,
Fair Long Beach Polar Bears to celebrate 13th anniversary
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“Wish Kid” Sean N., a 9-year-old from New Hyde Park, who took the plunge for the first time last year, will participate again this year. After the Make-A-Wish Foundation arranged a trip to Disney World for Sean in 2008, Gaby Sappington, the foundation’s marketing and communications director, said that Sean wanted to participate so he could help other children who have been diagnosed with serious illnesses.
In addition, “Wish Kid” Daniel R., 12, of Brooklyn, will also be participating for a second time. A trip to Abbey Road Studios in Liverpool was arranged for him and his family in 2006, Sappington said, because he’s “a huge Beatles fan.”
Several members of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York, including the chapter’s President and CEO, Patricia Clemency, will also be participating. Sappington said her hope was that organizers raise more funds than last year, and those who come out have an enjoyable time at the event.
“It’s going to be a great day to be at the beach, to see the community coming together,” she said. “It’s really grown, and it brings everyone together. New people are always coming out. It’s a big, fun-filled community event.”
Meyers said that organizers were grateful for a number of Long Beach businesses that are contributing to the event, including the Allegria Hotel and Starbucks, which will have employees on hand serving coffee and hot chocolate, while Swingbellys will offer hot chili to keep participants and spectators warm throughout the day. Other businesses, including Lola’s restaurant, plan to make financial contributions to the cause, he said.
As the event continues to grow, many, including Schnirman, said the annual tradition unifies the community and attracts thousands of visitors from other areas.
“I’m recruiting and inviting any and all to join me,” said Schnirman. Asked whether he had cold feet leading up to the event, he said, “I can’t back out,” he said with a laugh. “I say, challenge accepted. I’m ready to take the plunge.”
For more information about the Polar Bears Splash, visit longbeachpolarbears.org, longbeachny.org or superbowlsplash.kintera.org.
In addition, “Wish Kid” Daniel R., 12, of Brooklyn, will also be participating for a second time. A trip to Abbey Road Studios in Liverpool was arranged for him and his family in 2006, Sappington said, because he’s “a huge Beatles fan.”
Several members of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York, including the chapter’s President and CEO, Patricia Clemency, will also be participating. Sappington said her hope was that organizers raise more funds than last year, and those who come out have an enjoyable time at the event.
“It’s going to be a great day to be at the beach, to see the community coming together,” she said. “It’s really grown, and it brings everyone together. New people are always coming out. It’s a big, fun-filled community event.”
Meyers said that organizers were grateful for a number of Long Beach businesses that are contributing to the event, including the Allegria Hotel and Starbucks, which will have employees on hand serving coffee and hot chocolate, while Swingbellys will offer hot chili to keep participants and spectators warm throughout the day. Other businesses, including Lola’s restaurant, plan to make financial contributions to the cause, he said.
As the event continues to grow, many, including Schnirman, said the annual tradition unifies the community and attracts thousands of visitors from other areas.
“I’m recruiting and inviting any and all to join me,” said Schnirman. Asked whether he had cold feet leading up to the event, he said, “I can’t back out,” he said with a laugh. “I say, challenge accepted. I’m ready to take the plunge.”
For more information about the Polar Bears Splash, visit longbeachpolarbears.org, longbeachny.org or superbowlsplash.kintera.org.
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