COLD COMFORT
Chill out on New Year’s Day with JCC’s Polar Bear Plunge
Celebrate the new year by taking the plunge — the Polar Bear Plunge. For the third year, the Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque will be the host to the event — and it will benefit some local programs.
“I’ve personally done a New Year’s Day dip for the last 30 years,” says David J. Simon, executive director of the JCC. “I think the attraction is different for everybody. People love to start off the new year with something fun and different. Every new calendar year is a blank slate, and we begin the year with hope and optimism. It’s a way to start of the new year with a splash.”
Previous years have attracted about 100 people to the event.
This year, Simon says the water in the pool will be around 50 degrees.
“It’s still cold but warmer
than last year,” he says. “We also have just as many spectators as participants.”
Some of the proceeds raised will benefit the Ten-82 Fund, which helps families of injured police officers and firefighters.
It will also help the ABQ BioPark polar bears and the JCC’s program for needy kids.
“The JCC was built by the community, and we try to give back as much as possible,” he says. “We’re also giving the community a different tradition to start with their family and friends. It’s a great, unique and fun way to help out and raise money for good causes. It’s a challenge and takes courage.”
The Polar Bear Plunge also holds some sentimental feelings for Simon.
“I met my wife at a polar bear plunge in Washington, D.C., years ago,” he says with a laugh.
Participation requires a minimum $25 tax-deductible donation; donations of $50 or more get a polar bear beanie hat.
JCC provides free hot drinks and polar bear snacks. Polar Bear Plunge participants can also enjoy the JCC facilities from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at no additional charge. All participants must be swimmers at least 5 years old and must sign a waiver.
For more information call (505) 348-4455 or visit jccabq.org.