It’s amazing how many people are willing to jump into the winter waters of Oyster Bay Harbor for a good cause. The United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, Inc. (ucpn) hosted its 7th Annual Polar Bear Plunge benefit fundraiser at Theodore Roosevelt Town Park and Marina in Oyster Bay. The parking lot was in the midst of a construction project to create new playing fields but it didn’t deter the crowd. It was a rain or shine event and luckily the rain waited until the swimmers were out of the water!
The East Norwich Junior firefighters were there helping to serve the free frankfurters donated and being prepared by members of the Atlantic Steamer Fire Company. NCPD Explorers, with PO Daniel Johannessen, were there in numbers, ready to swim. They had taken part in the swim in Hempstead Harbor the day before.
Ken Siderine of UCPN said, “This is the coldest swim ever. The water is under 40 degrees, about 36 degrees,” he said. The water was colder than the temperature outside. This was the seventh time Mr. Siderine made the plunge.
“The Polar Bear swim is a unique and most worthwhile charity event, and I was pleased to, again, lend the support of the Town to help ensure its success,” said Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto, who has served as an honorary co-chairman for the event since its inception. Supervisor Venditto, his co-chair Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg from Long Beach, Chairman Jack Sullivan and the Polar Bear Committee worked hard to make this the best plunge ever!
“The program features brave souls, like CSEA Local 881 President Bobby Rauff and 1st Vice President Jarvis Brown, taking the plunge into Oyster Bay Harbor to raise money for ucpn and its many outstanding programs and services.”
“The day’s proceedings benefited the more than 1,800 children and adults with disabilities who participate in programs and receive services through ucpn. An independent, not-for-profit health agency, ucpn has endeavored to improve the quality of life for people with cerebral palsy and others with severe disabilities and multiple service needs,” explained Mr. Venditto. “The organization, which was founded in 1948, also seeks to prevent cerebral palsy and minimize its effects.”
