Polar Bear plunges raise thousands for charity

January 2, 2007

PROVIDENCE, R.I. --Hundreds of people plunged into frigid waters all over Rhode Island yesterday to raise about $85,000 for charity.

At Mackerel Cove Beach in Jamestown, an estimated 600 people took the plunge for a fundraiser for Special Olympics Rhode Island.

At Easton's Beach in Newport, organizer Charles Wright estimates 400 to 500 people bailed out of their cars on cue and charged into the water.

Donations went to A Wish Come True for Jeffrey Bruneau, an eight-year-old Portsmouth boy with cancer.

At Salty Brine Beach in Galilee, 150 swimmers raised money for the Point Judith Fisherman's Scholarship Fund.

The penguin plunge at the Rhode Island Yacht Club generated money for the recreation program at St. Mary's Home for Children.

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Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.projo.com/