by Gina Greco
The annual Polar Bear Plunge was held at the public beach in the Town of Long Lake on Satur-day, January 2, raising over $3,200 for The Wounded Warrior Project.
This year, there were 24 brave plungers, according to event organizers, who describe it as a fun way to raise money. Participants sign up as a team, or individuals with their choice of donation amount and plunge into the freezing temperatures of Long Lake.
The crowd also contributed $500 in donations to the project.
Kathryn Forsell, Raquette Lake Winter Events Coordinator, raised the most money for an individual for the second year in a row. Her amount was $563.
“I more than doubled my personal goal,” she said.
Forsell said even though the lakes weren’t frozen over, it was still frigid, snowy and windy.
Prizes were award to individual raising the most money, team raising the most money, best plunge technique, best plunge costume and most original team.
In the last two years, this event has raised over $7,700 for the Wounded Warrior Project.
“I wanted to thank everyone who donated to my plunge. I couldn’t have done it without you!” Forsell said.