Inaugural Splash for CAST to Be Held Sunday
On Sunday, Jan. 29, the North Fork Polar Bears, a winter swim group of more than 80 members and growing, will host its inaugural Splash for CAST — a charitable cold water plunge at Truman Beach, at 19340 Main Road in East Marion.
Onsite registration and check-in begin at 10:00 a.m. and the plunge is at 10:30 a.m.
This event benefits CAST, the Center for Advocacy, Support & Transformation, a non-profit organization that has been helping low-income residents of the North Fork community meet their nutrition, energy, housing, education, and employment needs since 1965.
“As the number of people seeking assistance continues to grow in our community, we are grateful to the North Fork Polar Bears for kicking off this inaugural Splash for CAST to benefit our neighbors in need. Join us as we cheer on the brave Polar Bears and friends taking the plunge!” says CAST Executive Director Cathy Demeroto.
Registration levels are $25, $50, and $125. Participants who register at the $25 level will receive a Splash for CAST plunge t-shirt, along with a coupon for a draft beer at Greenport Harbor Brewing Company in Peconic OR a coupon for a one-scoop ice cream at Amazing Flavors in Greenport; those registering at the $50 level will receive the t-shirt, a North Fork Polar Bears beanie, and beer or ice cream coupon, along with a coupon for a hot chocolate or coffee from Aldo’s Coffee Company in Greenport; participants registering at the $125 level will receive the t-shirt and a North Fork Polar Bears hooded sweatshirt and coupons for beer or ice cream, coffee or hot chocolate, and a coupon for a smoothie at The Giving Room in Southold.
Online donations in support of those plunging and in support of CAST are most welcome. If participants (individuals, groups, companies) would like to go above and beyond the registration fee, they can actively fundraise using their individual networks. Prizes will be awarded to those who raise the most money to support CAST.
To register, sponsor, donate, or fundraise, participants can visit this link: https://CASTPolarPlunge.givesmart.com
Hot drinks will be onsite, as well as a beach fire to warm up before and after the dip. Participants can wear anything they would like to the plunge – bathing suits, neoprene suits, swim gloves, swim booties, winter hats or swim caps. There will not be a changing station at Truman Beach, so plungers should come prepared and dressed to dive in. A towel or robe and warm clothes for after the plunge are suggested. The plunge will take place rain, shine or snow!
“This is a fun and invigorating way for everyone in our community to make a splash for CAST by supporting their important work – they do so much good for the North Fork and its families, and every dollar donated helps make a difference, so let’s dive in!” says Tod Hart, a North Fork Polar Bear and longtime CAST supporter.
The North Fork Polar Bears are an informal group of like-minded cold-water enthusiasts who meet regularly to seek adventure, inspiration, calm and community in the cold waters of the North Fork. All are welcome to join for daily or weekly plunges! Visit them on Instagram @NorthForkPolarBears
For more information about CAST, visit www.castnorthfork.org or @CASTNorthFork in Instagram.
