By Gabriella Bancheri
The Brigantine Polar Plunge is back and ready to ring in the new year. Except this year, they have a million-dollar milestone to meet.
On Jan. 1 on 16th and 17th Street Beaches in Brigantine, hundreds of NJ locals will gather on the beach for the 2024 Brigantine Polar Bear Million Dollar Milestone Plunge at 11 a.m. for the noon plunge.
What started in 2000 at the Brigantine seawall with just five people, including Tricia Cosgrove, the director of the organization, has grown exponentially over the last decades.
When the event began to take off, Tricia used to sell the event T-shirts out of her home. Although the shirts begin their circulation during Thanksgiving week, Tricia starts planning as early as August to make sure everything is up and running for the plunge into the new year.
Today, the astounding partnership between the Brigantine Polar Bears raises thousands of dollars every year for the Fisher House Foundation to help veterans and their families.
The Polar Bears initially chose Fisher House Foundation as their partner because 93-94% of their profits go towards programs and resources for veterans.
In the first year, the Polar Bears raised $400. Eventually, they reached up to $70-80K. This year, their goal is to hit one million dollars to better the lives of veterans and their families.
This year’s event will begin with its annual military ceremony at 11 a.m. Next, there will be some additional fundraising and, shall we say, fun-raising. New additions include a costume contest and a 50/50.
To join in on the frosty fun, follow the Brigantine Polar Bears on Facebook.
