Polar Bear Plunge Weekend Outdoes Itself
Plungers celebrate after running into the ocean.
Seasonably cold February weather did not deter the summer-like crowd of people who participated in the 26th Annual Polar Bear Plunge over Presidents Day weekend. Thousands of visitors arrived in town to enjoy the weekend, which kicked off with a reunion of past Polar Bear Kings and Queens at La Costa Lounge and concluded with the Mike’s Seafood Polar Bear Run/Walk for Autism.
“The 2020 Polar Bear Plunge weekend at the iconic La Costa was the best one yet,” said Jimmy Bennett, the event organizer and owner of La Costa. “After 26 years, it still amazes me to see how many people come to town to enjoy a February weekend in Sea Isle City.”
On Friday night, Feb. 14, The Insiders Band entertained a bar full of attendees who danced and sang along to popular cover tunes. Past Polar Bear Kings and Queens presented Bennett with a special recognition for all his support in their fundraising efforts. The group joined forces this year to raise funds for the Polar Bear Run/Walk for Autism and through their efforts raised a grand total of $50,000 that was announced during the event on Friday and presented to Mike on Sunday.
The annual costume contest took place on Saturday morning with colorful and creative costumes and of course, some jazzy dance moves from the contestants wishing to woo the judges. Councilman Bill Kehner emceed the event with nearly 20 groups participating. Awards were presented as follows:
• Individual/Small Group: 1st Place “Fanta Girls,” 2nd Place “Avocados”
• Medium Group: 1st Place “Troop 132,” 2nd Place “Under the Sea”
• Large Group: 1st Place “Elvis,” 2nd Place “Toy Story”
• Best in Show: 1st Place “Elvis,” 2nd Place “Troop 132”
Due to the tides and conditions of the beaches, the Plunge start time was pushed up to noon. The Fralinger String Band and past Polar Bear Kings and Queens led more than 2,000 plungers to the beach for the chilly dip in the ocean. Spectators lined the Promenade as they watched in awe. There was even a airplane-banner marriage proposal during the event. See story on page14.
On Sunday, nearly 4,000 runners and walkers participated in the 12th annual Mike’s Seafood Polar Bear Run/Walk for Autism. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and his wife Tammy Snyder Murphy both ran the 5K.
“The 12th annual Run/Walk for Autism was our most successful year yet,” said Michael Monichetti, the event organizer and owner of Mike’s Seafood and Dock Restaurant. “To have the support of over 4,000 participants, volunteers and sponsors, as well as the governor and first lady of New Jersey, who took time out of their busy schedules to travel to South Jersey and support autism awareness, means the world to our organization. Any day you can do something for children with disabilities, it’s a good day, and we just can’t thank everyone enough for helping us raise funds and autism awareness in Sea Isle City.”
During the awards ceremony portion of the Run/Walk for Autism, past Polar Bear Kings and Queens presented the $50,000 check to Monichetti and his wife, Jeannie. Mike was also presented with a recognition plaque and Jeannie was made an honorary Polar Bear Queen by the group. The top three overall male finishers in the 5K were Kenneth Woodring, Aaron Holibaugh and Kyle Brogan. The top three overall females were Stephanie Vandenberg, Rachel Grant and Marialana Curry.
Proceeds from the Run/Walk were still being calculated and donations were still coming in, but an early estimate suggests more than $175,000 was raised to benefit special-services schools, autism support groups, and families of special needs children.
The 4th annual Polar Bear Cornhole Tournament at La Costa was held immediately after the Run/Walk for Autism. More than 60 teams joined in on the fun event to raise money for the Polar Bear Run/Walk for Autism. Prize money was donated by Mike’s Seafood, who also contributed a hot buffet for the teams to enjoy while playing cornhole.
Mike’s Seafood Run-Walk for Autism
