Ready, Set, Plunge!

It was cold. It was wet.  Perfect weather for plunging.  Hundreds joined on the shore at Beach 99th to “Take the Plunge for Cystic Fibrosis” on Saturday, Feb. 5 at 2 p.m.

The charity fundraiser was started eleven years ago by locals John and Teresa McMahon, after their daughter Annie was diagnosed with CF.  The event has become a huge annual success, last year raising funds in the range of $200,000 for the cause. 

It regularly attracts an ebullient crowd of pumped-up plungers and their supporters.  Fox 5 Television’s Dick Brennan plunged with the group and covered the event.   

"The Three Graces," Beauty, Charm and Joy, Got Their Moment on Fox 5!

Warm Boots Are the Wise Choice After the Plunge!

There was an assortment of fun hats and footwear.

The snow cover on the beach made for additional merriment. Until today, I had never seen a person in a bathing suit make a snow angel!

That's "Snow Angel!"

Dicko Took the Plunge!

Don’t you just love the look of boots paired with a bathing suit?

The party afterwards in the St. Camillus church hall was quite a scene, with revelers enjoying food, beer, music by DJ James Tubridy, and awesome raffle prizes donated by many people and businesses.

Springman Hall Was Packed for the After-Party

Kindness and generosity are the hallmark of this event.  Local establishments named as supporters/contributors this year included: Sean Sheridan-BayHouse Restaurant of Breezy Point, Beer House Beverages, The Blarney, Pat & Fred Berrios-Budweiser, The Bronx Design Group, The Harbor Light, Laurie & Mike Barger-Jet Blue, Kennedy’s Restaurant, Mary- Ludwig’s Catering, Charlie Meier-Manhattan Beer, Poland Spring, Ridgewood Savings Bank, Father Ahlemeyer-St. Camillus, and Andy Cholakis-Tap & Grill. 

Nothing Like a Beach Towel and a Warm Hug Afterwards!

Well done, plungers and organizers!  Annie and others suffering from cystic fibrosis need your prayers and support.  Organizers say 100% of the proceeds of this event go directly to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which has received the highest possible four-star rating from CharityNavigator.com.  Visit www.rockawayplunge.com to contribute.