Get ready to make a splash in the January 1, 2025, New Year’s Day Westport Polar Bear Plunge that is “freezin’ for a reason!”
The event is in support of local nonprofit organization Abilis, a Fairfield County based nonprofit that serves and supports more than 800 individuals with disabilities and their families.
The Polar Bear Plunge will take place at Westport’s Compo Beach at 11:00am on New Year’s Day.
This is the inaugural year for the “Freezin’ for a Reason” Polar Bear Plunge, which is being spearheaded by local Weston residents Gena and Billy Mann. Participants can register in advance at abilis.us or on-site at the event.
At Tod’s Point, Abilis CEO Amy Montimurro posed with Virginia Blum, who leads the Abilis Youth Board. Dec 15, 2024
Proceeds from the Polar Bear Plunge will support the renovation of Abilis Gardens & Gifts, a retail and employee training site that is also a working gift and flower shop. Abilis Gardens & Gifts is part of Abilis’ Competitive Employment Program and provides valuable job training and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
The Mann family have been passionate advocates for those with disabilities for many years. After their 22-year-old son Jasper joined the Abilis community, they saw the immediate positive impact Abilis’ programs and services had not only for their son, but for his many friends and house mates acquired through Abilis.
Gena Mann shared, “We’ve experienced firsthand how programs like those at Abilis can transform lives. The renovation of Abilis Gardens & Gifts will create even more opportunities for meaningful employment and skill development and we are thrilled to help spearhead a fun fundraising activity that will go to such good use.”
Brave participants will take the plunge in sun, rain, sleet or snow. Spectators are also welcome to cheer on those who take the plunge in the chilly water. Afterwards, Moonrocks Gourmet Cookies will be on site offering sweet treats and hot cocoa to warm everyone up after their big splash.
In addition to raising crucial funds for Abilis, the Polar Bear Plunge also represents a growing partnership between Westport and Abilis in supporting the disability community. Abilis has been in Westport for several years offering programs and services. In 2024, Abilis expanded its footprint in the community with the opening of a new Abilis residential independent living location, which joins more than 70 other Abilis homes throughout Fairfield County.
To register for the plunge, make a donation, or learn more about Abilis, visit abilis.us.
Abilis is a 501c3 non-profit organization that supports more than 800 individuals with disabilities and their families from birth throughout their lives. Founded in 1951, Abilis is a leader in providing meaningful support to the community in Fairfield County, Connecticut, in towns including Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Ridgefield, Stamford, Westport and Wilton. The organization has a long-standing reputation for individualized, high-quality care. For more information, visit www.abilis.us, or follow on Facebook @Abilis, Inc., Instagram @abilis_us or Twitter @Abilis.
