It’s becoming a New Year’s Day tradition in Mattapoisett, and the 2015 “Freezin’ for a Reason” Polar Plunge, now in its third year, was more successful than ever – attracting more participants and onlookers than last year, and bringing in around $10,000 that will go towards assisting local families battling cancer.
Organizers Michelle and her husband Will are no strangers to the hardship a family experiences when a loved one is fighting cancer. Will has undergone several rounds of cancer treatment, and when the Huggins’ were facing financial strain, a local organization provided them with assistance to keep them afloat. The proceeds from the polar plunge will go directly to helping local families struggling with the same experience.
“I think this third year was the most successful,” said Huggins. “We raised a great deal of money over last year.”
She said participants donning costumes, competing for first place in the best costume contest, really added to the spirit of the event, with teams who really took the challenge seriously.
“People just took that to a whole ‘nother level,” said Huggins. “It was double the fun than last year. It was a mob scene. It was awesome.”
Taking first prize was the eight-member 1980s WrestleMania team, taking home the trophy designed by a local artist especially for the event.
“I mean, it was just hysterical,” said Huggins. She said those honored with the one-of-a-kind trophy would have to return it next year so it can be rotated year after year.
Michelle and Will’s seven year-old son Cy, who raised $200 on his own, plunged for his first time this year.
“He loved it,” said Huggins. She said she encourages her son to maintain a mindfulness of the world around him, saying, “He knows that the world doesn’t revolve around him … I think that’s huge.” She added, “Everyone on that beach felt that way, too.”
Huggins hopes to have another Polar Plunge next year, but the family takes things day-by-day, month-by-month.
The Town of Mattapoisett and all the vendors who donated food, heat sources, and tents were instrumental to the success of the plunge, and she thanked the community for its support.
”There was such a really good feeling on the beach that day,” said Huggins. “I hope we can do it next year.”
By Jean Perry
