Freezing Dip In Atlantic Ocean For Monmouth SPCA Polar Plunge

BELMAR, NJ — Frigid weather was all the better for the hundreds of people who participated in the Monmouth County SPCA "Doggy Paddle Polar Plunge," held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 26.

This is the second year the animal rescue group has held the plunge, and organizers say it was extremely successful, raising more than $100,000 for the Monmouth SPCA.

It was held on the beach across from D’Jais in Belmar.

The official plunge into the Atlantic Ocean was at noon. Under the watchful eye of Belmar police and EMS squads, hundreds of supporters crossed the street to the beach. Dogs stayed with friends while their owners ran into the chilly ocean, and plungers were encouraged by a loud cheering section. The temperature hit a high of 50 that day.

Once everybody had dried off, the After-Plunge Party at D’Jais began with live music from Holme and Bobby Bandiera.

Eight-year-old Finn Richard, who raised more than $700 as a “Puppy Plunger," received the Nancy Voccola Warm Heart Award, which celebrates youth activism for animal welfare.

There was also food, music, a 50/50 raffle and prizes were awarded for the best human and animal costumes. Monmouth County SPCA director Ross Licitra gave the welcome.

Says the Monmouth County SPCA:

"The event’s success would not have been possible if not for the generous support of sponsors such as the Cooper Voccola Family Foundation, Paul & Fran Turner and E Street Bagels, as well as the hundreds of supporters who donated, fundraised and showed up to cheer us on!"

For more information on upcoming events, please email Barbara Lovell at barbara@monmouthcountyspca.org or call 732-440-1557. More information is available at www.monmouthcountyspca.org