Freezin’ for a Reason: Polar Dippers Raise Money For Camp Sunshine

Here is one of the things I like about social media – it makes our world smaller. I have met people in my own community through Facebook and Twitter, people I may have passed on the street but never had a conversation with. But through social media people get connected. It’s both fascinating and strange.

Several weeks ago there was a thread starting on Twitter: Who wants to do the #PolarDip with me? Followed by a handful of ‘I’ll do it!’ ‘I just signed up, no turning back now’.

I chimed in with ‘I’ll photograph it!’

I am not bold enough to jump into the Atlantic ocean in the middle of winter, bearing and sharing skin in the freezing temps. But thankfully there are people crazy enough to do just that. So, hats off to the bold, crazy and caring people who not only dared to do what most of us won’t, they also raised money for a fantastic organization. This event raised over $30,000 for Camp Sunshine – a place for families that have children with life threatening illnesses. So, say what you will about people who jump into the Atlantic Ocean in the middle of a cold Maine winter (NUTS!!), but they are putting themselves out there and making a difference.

Here are my favorites from yesterday’s Polar Dip at Portland’s East End Beach. Where everyone there was freezin’ for a reason!

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If you get the chance to spend any amount of time at Camp Sunshine, I highly recommend that you do. I have been there a few times with the Flashes of Hope crew, and have walked away humbled and grateful every time. So, I may not be one to paint my body and jump into the ocean, but I am one to help spread the good word. Hopefully that makes some sort of difference.

Have you done any crazy, bold or fun things lately?

Photog’s note: The man in the wetsuit was there in case anyone needed rescuing once in the water. None of the ‘dippers’ were wearing wet suits.  I photographed him and his pinkish surfboard a little too much but just found the colors irrestible – overcast, gray sky, dark wet suit, PINK surfboard. Couldn’t help myself!

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