86 people jump into frigid water to raise money for Alzheimer’s Association

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Bob Miller, devout Chicago Cubs fan, braved near-freezing water to raise money.

HIGHLAND – On the cold morning of February 8, approximately 400 people gathered at Berean Lake for the 10th Anniversary Subzero Heroes ice jump to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter. 

The event surpassed its original goal, raising more than $106,000, with money still coming in, and donations will be accepted through June. Funds raised will help provide free care and support to families touched by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia as well as research to find a cure.

Eighty-six Heroes took the plunge, according to Event Manager Lauren Voorhees, who said it was the most she had ever seen in her four years running the event. Each Hero had to raise a minimum of $200 to jump, and the amount raised determined the jumping order. 

The top three fundraisers were Jimmy Anzalone (Ulster County Firemen), Bob Miller (Team Sal), and Meg and Brendan Boyce, (Boyce Blazers) whose combined individual fundraising efforts totaled almost $50,000.

Firefighter Jimmy Anzelone prepares to take the plunge.

“It’s deeply moving to me how everyone came together to support families living with this dreadful disease while we seek a cure,” said Event Manager Lauren Voorhees. “I am awestruck by how much this event has grown and the collective energy that keeps building around it. I want to thank everyone for all they did to help make it such a tremendous success.”

Many participants wore colorful and creative attire to participate in the costume contest. Winners were announced after the event on the Subzero Heroes Facebook page: Joan Patterson and Alz I Want is a Cure for Best Team Costumes, Marcia Fink and Strike Out ALZ for the Most Original Costumes and Terry Malone and Team Frank for the Most Colorful Costumes. Each of the winning teams will receive a gift basket.

The event featured a variety of locally-sourced refreshments including gourmet soup prepared by Culinary Institute Chef Scott Swartz who was also a Hero and took the plunge and his students. For the first time, Texas Roadhouse provided pork sliders. There was also a hot chocolate bar featuring handcrafted marshmallows from Hudson Valley Marshmallow Co., hot cider from Minard Farms Beverage Company and tea from Harney & Sons Fine Tea. Cheesecake Heaven also raffled off cheesecakes at the event.

Subzero Heroes started in February 2000, when 25 Heroes jumped into a frozen lake as approximately 80 others watched. For more information about the event or to make a donation, visit subzeroheroes.org. And save the date: The next Subzero Heroes is set for February 6, 2021.

The Hudson Valley Chapter serves families living with dementia in seven counties in New York including Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. To learn more about programs and services offered locally, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley.

The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all dementia. Visit alz.org




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