FISHKILL – Hundreds of people braved freezing air temperatures and frigid water to raise money for Special Olympics this past weekend according to New York Special Olympics Hudson Valley Director of Development, Teresa Gilli. The 2023 Polar Plunge at the Sharpe Reservation in Fishkill was the 25th anniversary of the event that raises funds to support participants of the New York Special Olympics. Participants jumped of a dock and into the lake under the supervision of New York State Police divers who were ready to respond to any emergencies.
Retired Town of Poughkeepsie Police Officer Chris Hamel, the event’s literal torch-bearer has jumped in all 25 plunges. Hamel was joined by 705 other “plungers” who helped raise $250,000 this year in support of the organization. Hamel was exuberant in describing the turnout. “The number of people that have turned out this year is truly heartwarming,” Hamel said before taking the first plunge of the day to kick off the event.
Gilli was also pleased with the turnout as well. “Not only did we reach our goal for this year, but donations are still coming in with the help of people that are jumping for the first time. The event is getting bigger every year.”
Of the 58 teams of plungers, Team Fakhoury raised more than $5,300 and had six new participants. Among the newbies recruited by Captain Linda Fakhoury was Dutchess County Family Court Judge Tracy MacKenzie. “Linda recruited me and it was difficult to refuse her request,” said the judge before dipping into the almost-freezing lake. After plunging, Judge MacKenzie said, “That was a very cold swim, but I would do it again.” Fakhoury had also recruited Dutchess County Family Court Judge Jeffrey Martin for the plunge. On Saturday morning, the team learned that Judge Martin had been stricken with the “staying in a warm bed” illness and was unable to join his team for the 8:00 a.m. plunge.
Video of Chris Hamel jumping with the torch as well as Team Fakhoury, with Judge MacKenzie, who can be identified by her red hair:
