NAHANT — By all accounts, Freezin’ for a Reason’s fifth annual polar plunge fundraiser went swimmingly.
More than 200 community members gathered on Nahant’s Short Beach at noontime New Year’s Day to welcome 2020 as they took a dip in frigid ocean waters. This year, money raised from t-shirt sales — and from raffles held during the after party at Rolly’s Tavern in Lynn — went to support the educational nonprofit, Camp Rotary.
The Boxford-based camp is the longest-running Rotary Club service project in the world, making its debut in 1921, and provides kids ages 7 through 15 with a traditional American overnight camp experience.
“(It’s) an incredibly special place,” camp director Rich Cowdell said in a press release for the event.
Reading resident Alexis Williamson decided to attend Freezin’ for a Reason for the first time specifically to support Camp Rotary, which she said had been a place close to her heart since her son, now 16, became a camper there four years ago.
“Camp Rotary is amazing … Rich Cowdell is amazing. (My son) absolutely loves it,” Williamson said. “Camp Rotary gave him the confidence to be who he is.”
Knowing it was for a good cause didn’t make taking the plunge any easier for Williamson, however.
“I went all the way under,” she said. “It was crazy. I kind of lost my breath.”
For other polar plungers, the occasion is a beloved tradition and fun way to spend time with family and friends while raising money for a good cause.
Donned in a Santa suit as he stood on the beach afterward, Lynn’s Jay Richards said the day’s weather conditions of 40 degrees were considerably more mild than in previous years.
“Two years ago we had icebergs,” said the five-year polar plunge veteran.
Fellow participant Tyrone Brown, also of Lynn, agreed. “The water was good. Very refreshing,” he said with a laugh. “I’m cleansed now.”
“We’re having fun out here,” he added. “It’s for a good cause.”
Even without hearing the final tally of how much this year’s plunge raised, event organizer George Sonia said he and fellow organizer, Mario Capano, were confident Freezin’ for a Reason 2020 far surpassed its initial goal of $10,000.
“We are so grateful for the continued support from our family, friends, and volunteers who come back year after year,” Sonia said. “This year we were fortunate enough to have good weather, which only makes it an even more enjoyable experience for everyone (who’s) a part of it.”
Capano added: “We had a great crowd. We’re just happy when anybody comes (out) to support the cause.”