Hundreds hit the beach Wednesday but it wasn’t for unseasonably warm weather.
The annual Polar Plunge at Easton’s Beach brought out those looking to brave the 40-degree water and help send a pair of children to their dream vacations through A Wish Come True.
This year’s featured “Wish Kids” were Lars and Indy. Lars, an 8-year-old from Jamestown, suffered a stroke last February. Indy, a 4-year-old from Coventry, has brain cancer. Both children wish to go to Florida, with one hoping to go to Disney and the other to an exclusive Marriott resort.
Brave participants hit the water at Easton’s Beach on Wednesday, Jan. 1, to take part in the A Wish Come True Polar Plunge.
“We know that one of our teammates is struggling with the unimaginable as he watches his daughter in the battle of a lifetime. We want to be there for his family. Partnering with A Wish Come True to grant her wish is the least we can do. Knowing that this family will receive additional support through this painful journey is also why we want to help,” said Arthur Jordan, business manager Rhode Island Laborers’ District Council and Laborers’ Local 1322, in a statement.
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AWCT Executive Director Mary-Kate O’Leary said, “Often, people don’t realize they are donating to help make dreams come true for children with a life-threatening illness. This event features more than 5,000 people willing to head into the water and be ‘freezin’ for a reason.’”
Last year, Santos Nieves carried his daughter, Graciela, into the water and we were all so motivated.
Tyler Wright and his grandmother Anne Wright wear T-shirts honoring Charlie Wright, who was one of the original polar bears who passed away in 2023. Charlie was Anne’s late husband and Tyler‘s grandfather. Tyler followed in his grandfather‘s footsteps and took the plunge.
“It was truly touching to see how our efforts truly matter,” stated, Bryan Ganley, a Plunger for over 40 years. “Walking behind that family was so powerful and something we will never forget!”
“We are especially grateful to the people who made this event so successful for over two decades,” said O’Leary, who was one of the plungers. “The money we raise from this event goes toward helping children and their families find an opportunity for joy as well as helping the family get back on their feet during this long and challenging journey.”
This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Polar Plunge at Easton’s Beach benefits A Wish Come True children
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