Many polar bear plunges take place around the holidays, but folks in Bay Shore did not hit the water until much later in the year, according to a Newsday article.
The brave souls who recently took part in the Polar Bear Splash at the Bay Shore Marina were joined by a local celebrity, Brian Orlando, a radio personality from 94.3 The Shark in Long Island. Orlando, who goes by his last name, is from Ronkonkoma, and said he wanted to take part in the effort, since it raises money for AHRC Suffolk. The agency helps support those with special needs.
Orlando said he became aware of AHRC through a colleague from The Shark, Leeana Costa. Costa is now with AHRC Suffolk, and impressed Orlando when she talked about the help the organization provides to people like her nephew. Orlando said “her entire face would just light up” and decided he wanted to help.
Over 200 people joined Orlando from throughout the island, many wearing costumes. Teachers and students from almost a dozen high schools took part, helping to raise almost $15,000. For his part, Orlando said the trick was to yell ‘Cowabunga’ and jump in, going on to say it felt great to get off Facebook and take a physical action to help others.
Events like this can be even more fun if organizers work with a banner printing company to create festive flags to celebrate the occasion.
