By BERNADETTE GIACOMAZZO
It was downright balmy on the beach, with the temperature reaching the mid-50s, but much less pleasant in the ocean, which was a frigid 41 degrees. Many sat on blankets and beach chairs as if it were a hot day in July. Some wore bikinis, shorts or pajamas; others were clad in costumes or painted blue in honor of the Giants, who would go on to win the Super Bowl that evening.
More than 10,000 participants and spectators helped raise more than $300,000 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, the organization that grants wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses. Event organizers Kevin McCarthy and Pete Meyers, who started the annual plunge on a whim, began accepting donations for Make-a-Wish in 2000, following the death of 4-year-old Paulie Bradley of Long Beach. That year they raised $7,000. The contributions have since exceeded $1 million.
"Every person who went into the water on Sunday turned Giant Blue for a great cause," said Meyers. "We are so thankful to them for sending positive waves to Arizona and helping the Giants win, but most importantly, for their generous donations to the children."
Jillian Cohen, a "Wish child," thanked the Polar Bears from the stage, and Miss New York International, Jessica Bryant, posed for photos in exchange for donations. Before taking the plunge himself, City Councilman John C. McLaughlin collected money from beachgoers, along with Councilman Leonard G. Remo and state Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg.
"Each year the Polar Bear Splash brings thousands of people together for an exhilarating ocean plunge, while making wishes come true for children who are ill," said McLaughlin. "It's an event that truly demonstrates the generosity of the entire community."
Commemorative Polar Bear wear is still available for purchase. To order, log on to longbeachpolarbears.org.
Photos by Irene Roselli
