Dan's Papers -December 19, 2008 -

On a blustery December morning at 10 a.m., a loud cannon fired several shots into the freezing air, a flag was dropped, and over 1,000 people and dogs ran down the ocean beach into 46-degree water.

Many people wore either wild costumes or barely anything at all. Dress included everything from tiny bikinis to Santa suits. People were getting their pictures taken with a huge inflatable bear that sat in the middle of a sand dune with the words, "Polar Bear Plunge" emblazed on it.

Kevin Bodkin of Sag Harbor was dressed as a Christmas tree, his wife Margaret as a snowman. Their friend Jimmy Mack sported a shiny mermaid outfit. "I come to the Polar Bear Plunge every year," said Mack. "My boss sponsored me, and the money goes to help people in need, so it's worth getting wet in the winter," he smiled.

Despite frigid temperatures in the 30s and rougher than normal surf, the fifth annual Polar Bear Plunge took place with a record turnout last Saturday at Cooper's Beach in Southampton. Some ran to the water's edge just to dunk their feet, while others actually swam out in the freezing surf. As a safety precaution, the Hampton Bays fire department staff was on hand for emergencies, and there was plenty of coffee and hot chocolate on hand to help the plungers warm up.

Michael Paez, 50, of Southampton, was shaking water off his frozen hair as his daughter handed him a towel. "I'm on the Santa Team," said Paez, wearing nothing but red shorts, white socks and black boots. "It is colder outside than last year, but the water's warmer, at 46 degrees, instead of 41 degrees last year."

His daughter, Katie, 13, shrugged, "I think he's crazy, but then he's always been that way."

Pat Mink, 56, dried off her leopard outfit as she ran out of the waves. "I'm dressed as a wild cougar," she laughed. "My friend and I left at 7:30 a.m. to drive here from Massapequa. I love jumping in the water - it rejuvenates me and makes me feel young again."

Her friend, Rosemary DeMaria, said, "I drove her out to take pictures. I've never seen so many funny costumes."

Many people jumped in with their teams. Matt Mobius of Southampton was on the Hampton Physical Therapy Team, and an entire family - Edward Simioni and his teenage sons, Adrian and Eric - jumped in together.

Fred Loucka, 66, of Sag Harbor, was one of the last in, since he couldn't find a parking spot. But the former lifeguard decided to swim way out in the crashing waves. "When you're all psyched up, it's easy," he said. But his partner, Carol Jaswal, said swimming in December wasn't for her. "I'd rather give money than be foolish," she said.

The funds raised at this event, through various sponsors, go to the Human Resources of the Hamptons (HRH), a non-profit group that works in the local community to provide help to needy families and children, subsidizing heating fuel, medical transportation, school supplies, food pantries and tutoring.

Mary-Anne Tupper, HRH Director, made sure all the swimmers warmed up with chili, soup, hot dogs, donuts, and other food donated by local businesses including The Golden Pear and The Cheese Shop in Southampton. Her husband, Bill Tupper, said last year this event raised over $100,000 for needy families. Over the five years, they hope to raise more than $500,000.

Jim Van Nostrand, Southampton Village Administrator, said an anonymous donor put up $100 for each village employee, as well as fireman, police and ambulance volunteers who jumped in. The Tomorrow Foundation sponsored school district employees at $100 per person - $200 for principals. Elected officials were backed by a $200 pledge, and Bob Gianos of East End Properties sponsored SHHS and Intermediate School students at $50 each. Wright & Company Construction sponsored its own employees and their families for $100 each.

"Everyone looks forward to this event each year because it's like one big happy family," said Van Nostrand, who was dressed as a "Surfer Gorilla" for his first year at the Plunge.

The idea for the Polar Bear Plunge at Cooper's Beach came from Gary Glanz of Southampton, who participated in a similar event in Maryland which raised $50,000. "I thought if they could raise $50,000 in that little town, that in Southampton we could raise a lot more, and I was right," he said.

For more information on the Polar Bear Plunge and the Human Resources of the Hamptons: hrhamptons.org