Hundreds Freeze for a Reason at Ray’s Polar Plunge

About 100 brave participants suited up and ran into the chilly Long Island Sound at Oakland Beach on January 1 to help support a good cause. The annual event, Ray’s Polar Plunge, started 15 years ago when Rye’s Ray Kelly was dared to jump into the water. He took the dare and the dip grew into a charitable event. This year, the plunge raised about $2,5000 to support the MAC Angels Foundation and the Challenged Athletes Foundation. MAC Angels supports families living with ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease.

MAC provides free services and programs to enhance the quality of life for patients and family members and caregivers throughout Westchester, Connecticut and New Jersey. In addition to helping families navigate the healthcare system, the group provides support networks among friends and accompany families to clinic appointments, and much more. Nearly all MAC Angel board members and volunteers have cared for someone with ALS.  

To read more about ALS and the MAC Angels, click here. Watch the YouTube video above for a look at the participants who daringly dipped into the ice-cold water to start their New Year by supporting a good cause.