Great Neck’s Erin Lipinsky will once again be Freezin’ for a Reason at the 15th annual North Hempstead Polar Plunge on Saturday, March 2, at North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington.
Each winter, Special Olympics Polar Plunges are held throughout the country to attract thousands of thrill seekers to engage in an exhilarating fundraising event. In 2017, more than 6,000 plungers took part, raising more than $1.4 million statewide. In 2015, nearly 600 participated at the event at North Hempstead Beach Park and raised more than $60,000. All funds support Special Olympics New York’s programs and promote awareness of people living with intellectual disabilities in New York.
“It is always such an honor to host an event that benefits the critical services and programs provided by Special Olympics New York,” said Supervisor Judi Bosworth. “I applaud all the brave residents who plunge into the chilly waters for this great cause.”
This Polar Plunge will help to provide year-round training and competition in more than 22 Olympic-style sports for more than 65,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in New York, giving them continuing opportunities at no cost.
Last year, Lipinsky, a longtime member of the Great Neck Spirits Basketball Team for Special Olympics, raised more than $14,000, making him the event’s top fundraiser. This year, he plans to break that record.
His fundraising page has already received contributions of more than $5,000. To help support the cause, visit http://events.nyso.org/goto/erinsplunge.
To get involved, go to www.polarplungeNY.org/northhempstead. Learn more at 516-869-6311, or contact Rebecca Strickland at Special Olympics Long Island at 631-254-1465, ext. 203, or rstrickland@nyso.org.
