Rochester– CSEA Western Region members and family hang out in the VIP tent on the beach minutes before the noontime plunge. Pictured above in top photo are from left to right: Deb Morley, Patty Reitz, Debbie Hoffman and Colleen Clifford. Photo: Ove Overmyer, CSEA ©2017
Rochester– Thousands of hearty Western New Yorkers took part in the 17th Annual Rochester Polar Plunge at Ontario Beach Park on Sunday, February 12. For almost a decade, CSEA Western Region continues to field a team of robust volunteers and donors who support the Special Olympics New York by raising money with the condition of jumping into the frigid waters of Lake Ontario.
This year, a team of 30 activists and family members raised nearly $7,000 for the charity. Proceeds directly fund entry for Special Olympians to participate and compete at state, national and global sporting events.
The Rochester Polar Plunge is the largest of its kind in New York State. It is also one of the largest Polar Plunges to benefit Special Olympics in the entire country. CSEA Western Region finished within the top five team category and CSEA Western Region President Flo Tripi was the top individual fundraiser in Western New York.
After the Plunge, members warmed up to a buffet lunch at a local restaurant hosted by President Tripi. She said, “We always look forward to this event each year. I am so proud of all our members—especially on days like today. We raised a ton of money for the New York Special Olympics and hopefully we can put some smiles on the faces of those families who deserve our support.”
Rochester– On Feb. 12, CSEA Erie Educational Local 868 President Deb Morley navigates her way out of Lake Ontario at the Rochester Polar Plunge – Special Olympics NY.
To see a slideshow of the event, you can go here.
Story and images by Ove Overmyer, CSEA ©2017
