By Brian J. Goepfrich, Chairperson, Events & Celebrations Committee
The Stafford community is gearing up for the 2nd Annual Polar Bear Paddy Plunge, set to take place on March 1, 2025, at Staffordville Lake Beach (21 Lyons Road) from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. This exhilarating event invites participants to brave the icy waters in support of the Stafford Summer Recreation Camp Program, which offers local children enriching summer experiences.
Reflecting on last year's success, the inaugural plunge raised over $12,000, thanks to the enthusiastic involvement of residents and businesses alike. A highlight of the event was First Selectman Bill Morison, who demonstrated his commitment by joining each group of plungers, inspiring many with his dedication.
The event also benefited from significant support from local businesses and organizations, whose sponsorships were instrumental in its success. Their contributions provided financial backing and fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose within the community. Additionally, the 2024 event had over 100 participants and received crucial personnel support from the Stafford Fire Departments, Stafford Fire Department No. 1 Auxiliary, Rotary Club of Stafford, Community Emergency Response Team, Tolland County Dive Team, Stafford Ambulance, Stafford Police Department, and various Town Departments.
As we look ahead to this year's plunge, we aim to raise $15,000 to enhance the summer camp program further, which ensures families have access to free transportation, meals, and affordable program costs, while prioritizing positive experiences and quality staffing. Businesses interested in sponsoring the event can do so by completing the sponsorship form available here.
Participants and spectators can look forward to a day filled with camaraderie, music, warm refreshments, beach bonfire, and the shared thrill of taking a mid-winter dip for a worthy cause. The Staffordville School Community Building will be open for changing, warming up, refreshments, and hosting kids' activities, ensuring a family-friendly environment for all attendees. The festivities will kick off at 12 p.m. with registration/check-in, followed by the "plunging heats" starting at 1 p.m. Participants are encouraged to pre-register to familiarize themselves with safety guidelines, event details, and to maximize their fundraising efforts.
For more information on registration, sponsorship opportunities, and event details, please visit www.explorestaffordct.com/paddyplunge or follow the Polar Bear Paddy Plunge on Facebook. In the event of severe weather, the plunge will be postponed to Sunday, March 2, 2025.
Join us in making this year's plunge an even bigger success and help provide memorable summer experiences for the youth of Stafford. There are numerous ways for individuals to get involved in this year's Polar Bear Paddy Plunge:
Become a Plunger: Embrace the chill by registering as a participant. Whether as an individual or part of a team, taking the plunge directly supports the summer camp program.
Too Chicken to Plunge: If diving into icy waters isn't for you, opt to be a "Too Chicken to Plunge." You can still raise funds and be part of the festivities without getting wet.
Find Sponsors or Become a Sponsor: Assist in securing sponsorships from local businesses or become a sponsor yourself. Sponsorships are crucial for reaching our fundraising goals and offer businesses visibility within the community.
Donate: Contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated and directly benefit the camp program. Every dollar brings us closer to our goal.
Volunteer: Lend a hand by volunteering for various roles, including setup, cleanup, registration, and event coordination. Your time and effort are invaluable to the event's success. Email Events@staffordCT.org.
Spread the Word: Share information about the plunge with friends, family, and colleagues, both within and outside of Stafford. Raising awareness is key to garnering support and participation.
Every form of support, whether through participation, sponsorship, volunteering, or promotion, plays a vital role in the event's success and, by extension, enriches our community. The Polar Bear Paddy Plunge is more than just a fundraiser; it's a celebration of community spirit and collective effort. Your involvement ensures that we can continue to provide valuable programs for our youth and strengthen the bonds that make Stafford a wonderful place to live.
Community involvement is the cornerstone of events like the Polar Bear Paddy Plunge. It fosters a sense of belonging, encourages collaboration, and demonstrates the power of collective action. By coming together for a common cause, we not only achieve our fundraising goals but also reinforce the values of unity and support that define our town. Your participation, in any capacity, contributes to the vibrancy and resilience of our community.
This event is organized by the Town of Stafford Events & Celebrations Committee, a group of volunteer citizens working to create a calendar of diverse activities that promote economic and social benefits, unite neighbors, bolster civic pride, and tourism opportunities.
