On what would be the coldest day on record for the LBNY Polar Bears annual swim, roughly three thousand people gathered in temperatures in the single digits due to twenty five mile per hour winds, with one thousand of those brave souls entering the forty two degree Atlantic.
What would make these people subject themselves to freezing cold air and water? The opportunity to raise money for the Make a Wish Foundation in memory of Paulie Bradley. The LBNY Polar bears were founded by two great guys, Pete Meyers and Kevin McCarthy. What began as something to do for fun has become the largest money maker for the Make a Wish Foundation outside of the foundation itself. Pete and Kevin knew that Pattie and Mike Bradley (Paulie’s parents) were looking for a way to memorialize the beautiful son that was taken from them and asked if they could dedicate their “Super Bowl Splash” to Paulie and the Make a Wish Foundation. With Pattie and Mikes Blessing, Pete and Kevin along with the other members of the LBNY Polar Bears, local business, and generous sponsors have raised over $461,000 dollars not counting this year. Last year alone they raised $190,000 dollars.
For those of you that don’t know what Make A Wish Foundation is all about, they grant a wish for children that are seriously ill. The wishes can range from a trip to Disney - the most popular, to a new computer. The rewards are obvious, being able to bring joy into the lives of people that are filled with stress and pain is priceless. I hope this story inspires my fellow surfers and our loved ones to become active in a charity - if you’re not already.
- Bruce
For more information, please visit: The Long Beach Polar Bear Club »