Easton's Beach

Start the New Year by Granting Wishes at A Wish Come True’s 22nd Annual Polar Plunge Challenge

Start your New Year with a chill that warms hearts! A Wish Come True invites the community to ring in 2026 at the 22nd Annual Freezin’ for a Reason Polar Plunge Challenge on January 1, 2026, at Easton’s Beach in Newport, Rhode Island. 

Join thousands of brave plungers who will dive into the cold Atlantic at 12:00 PM sharp to help grant magical wishes and provide much-needed resources to local families who have a child struggling with a life-threatening illness.

A Wish Come True Executive Director Mary-Kate O’Leary said numerous local families have benefitted from their work and significant contributions from the public.

“The Polar Plunge is always an amazing day full of hope and inspiration,” she said. “When the community comes together to participate, it shows our wish families they are supported, loved, and never alone during this difficult time.”

Every dollar raised helps A Wish Come True support children living in Rhode Island, Southeastern and Central Massachusetts, and Eastern Connecticut. This year’s plunge highlights wish kids like Nicholas, an 11-year-old from Jamestown, RI, who is battling cancer. Nicholas has been undergoing intensive treatment at Hasbro Children’s and in Boston Children’s Hospital for specialized radiation. Despite the challenges, he remains a sweet, positive kid who loves the Boston Celtics and dreams of a special Celtics experience with his family. 

With more than 5,000 attendees, the Polar Plunge has become one of Rhode Island’s favorite New Year’s Day traditions. Whether you’re plunging solo, joining a team, or cheering from the shore, your participation helps grant heartfelt wishes for local children with a life-threatening illness. New this year — individuals who raise $100 will receive a Polar Plunge hat, and those who raise $500 will earn a cozy Polar Plunge hoodie too as a thank-you for their support. Be sure to sign up online by January 1 to qualify for these incentives. 

See what’s in store at this year’s Polar Plunge. Watch the video: https://youtu.be/kvsFa3NObDE 

Register today at https://p2p.onecause.com/polarplunge and take the plunge for wishes! Together, we can start 2026 with a splash that truly warms hearts. 

About A Wish Come True

A Wish Come True is a 501©(3) nonprofit organization that grants wishes AND provides resources to children ages 3–18 with life-threatening illnesses living in Rhode Island, Southeastern and Central Massachusetts, and Eastern Connecticut. In addition to granting wishes, A Wish Come True supports families through the Meghan K. Duffy Hardship Fund, which has provided more than $163,000 in emergency financial assistance since 2019 to help with critical needs like housing, utilities, and transportation during difficult times.

Local Event: A Wish Come True Polar Plunge Challenge 

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Rhode Island

A Wish Come True Polar Plunge Challenge 

Start the New Year by Granting Wishes at A Wish Come True’s 22nd Annual Polar Plunge Challenge

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A Wish Come True Polar Plunge Challenge

JAN

1

12:00 PM

Easton's Beach, 175 Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI