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Local schools excel with annual Polar Plunge fundraiser

Submitted Photos The Silver Creek-Forestville Unified program’s Polar Plunge team raised more than $13,000 for last week’s event, tops in Chautauqua County and good for eighth among all teams across western New York, regardless of class size.

BLASDELL — Harsh weather conditions this month seemed like nothing compared to what students from several local schools signed up for to benefit the Special Olympics.

A select group of students from several local schools braved the elements in a chilling way as they submerged themselves in icy water as part of the Polar Plunge fundraiser for Special Olympics New York.

The 18th annual Polar Plunge was held at Woodlawn Beach State Park, in Blasdell. The two-day event was dedicated to students on Friday morning, with all other participants welcome Saturday morning.

Nearly 130 teams from 35 schools participated in the event this year, despite 24 degree weather and winds of 13 miles per hour on Friday morning. The lake temperature was just 42 degrees, but even Buffalo Bills wide receiver Mack Hollins showed up to support the participants and ran barefoot down the shore to plunge into the lake.

Of the teams participating, three from northern Chautauqua County had stellar fundraising efforts. Between Dunkirk, Fredonia, and Silver Creek-Forestville, more than $20,000 was raised to benefit Special Olympics New York.

Pictured above is Buffalo Bills wide receiver Mack Hollins who was a special guest at the annual Polar Plunge event last Friday. Hollins later joined the participants in the freezing water.

As of Saturday morning, more than $460,000 was raised overall from the Polar Plunge, including over $13,000 collected by Silver Creek-Forestville, good for eighth among all teams across the region, regardless of class size. The mark shattered Silver Creek’s previous record in its fifth year of participation. In total, Silver Creek has raised more than $40,000 in five years.

Janet Decker, a Middle School Special Education Teacher at Silver Creek, has served as Unified Club Advisor throughout the program’s existence. She led the team’s efforts as captain this season, with $500 raised, along with another $500 raised by her daughter, Julie, who graduated last year. Haley Ross led all participants with $636, while Matthew Miller added $525.

Janet Decker said in a social media post of the team’s efforts, “Our two small schools showed some of those bigger schools how it is done!”

Silver Creek-Forestville was the leader of the pack locally, but it was far from alone in having a major impact. Fredonia also raised more than $10,000, surpassing its fundraising goal with 46 members on the team.

Gianna Novelli was the team captain for Fredonia this season in her junior year. She said of the event, “The Polar Plunge is an amazing way to spend time with friends or even spark new friendships with people. Fun is had from the bus ride, to dancing in the tent, to the actual plunge itself. My favorite part is having so much fun while also knowing it’s for such a great cause.”

Unable to make the trip to the Polar Plunge on Friday, Dunkirk held its own event in the parking lot. Students submerged themselves in ice water to participate, led by team captain Mackenzie Curry, pictured wearing maroon.

Fredonia’s top fundraiser was Sydnee Hoffman, a junior, who raised $725 this year for the team. “My favorite part of the plunge is the fact that so many schools come together to raise big money for such a great cause,” Hoffman said. “We get to celebrate together, meet new people, have a big dance party, give out scholarships, and then finally jump in a freezing cold lake together. This is by far my favorite Unified event!”

Fredonia’s efforts were overseen by Kristin Tomaszewski, Youth Activation Coordinator at Fredonia High School. Tomaszewski also credited Erica Raepple, Senior Director of Development in the Western Region for the Special Olympics New York, for coordinating the entire event.

“Her coordination of this event is nothing short of spectacular,” Tomaszewski said. “She leads the Inclusion Revolution with the biggest heart and so much kindness. She is an inspiration to our communities!”

Dunkirk raised nearly $8,000 to benefit Special Olympics New York with 32 members on the team in its third year of participation. However, due to harsh weather on Friday, Dunkirk was unable to make the trip. Instead, Dunkirk found its own way to participate.

Dunkirk set up tubs full of ice water outside of the school in the event parking lot near the athletic fields. Students took turns submerging themselves in the ice bath to show their support for the cause.

Fredonia students are showing off their school pride prior to participating in the annual Polar Plunge fundraiser to benefit Special Olympics New York. Fredonia’s team raised more than $10,000 to support the cause.

Mackenzie Curry served as Dunkirk team captain for the event. Curry is also the district’s student representative on the Board of Education. In a social media post, Curry offered thanks to A.J. Burnside, Dunkirk’s Dean of Students and Athletic Director, for helping coordinate the last minute change. She also thanked everyone who participated and donated to make the event a success.

The Polar Plunge also welcomes college and community teams to participate each year. The top fundraising college this year was Daemen University, at over $11,000. Two teams of first responders surpassed $5,000 raised, including the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, who raised nearly $15,000, and West Seneca First Responders, who raised more than $5,700. Three other teams raised more than $15,000: Dan’s Polish Plungers, Team SantaCon, and Polar Fuel. The top individual fundraiser was Brian Mack at $22,870.

While the event has ended, donations are still being accepted online by searching for the 2024 Buffalo Polar Plunge.

Starting at $2.99/week.

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