More than 250 people took a dip in the chilly Atlantic Ocean in Manasquan on Saturday as part of the annual LADACIN polar bear plunge. Watch video
MANASQUAN - The Atlantic Ocean wasn't exactly welcoming on Saturday, with its chilly temperatures and sizeable waves.
However, it was not enough to keep more than 250 brave souls from charging into the water - some multiple times - in order to help raise funds for the LADACIN Network.
The Monmouth County-based nonprofit agency helps provide continuum of care - such as educational, therapeutic, social, residential and support services - to infants, children and adults with complex physical and developmental disabilities or delays.
Since it started eight years ago, the polar bear plunge has raised more than $600,000 to support LADACIN's initiatives, event organizer Cathy Claps said, adding this number does not include the more than $65,000 that was raised for this year's event.
"It has really grown into one of our biggest fundraisers through sponsorships, the support from the community and the families that are involved," said Claps, adding LADACIN other popular fundraisers include gala, a golf outing and a casino night. "And we're a local charity, we're in Monmouth and Ocean counties, so I think sometimes when people are looking to support they try to find something local."
For a group of friends from Keansburg, the event means supporting Deegan, the little brother of one of their friends.
"We do it every year, about four years in a row now," said Dave Wilson, of Keansburg. "It's fun to be out here with everyone, but it makes it better to know that it's for a good cause."
But it is not plunging into the frigid ocean or the pre- and post-festivities at Leggett's that the friends look forward to the most each year, though those do help.
"It's seeing the smile on Deegan's face after we hit the water," said Justin Duryea, of Keansburg.
A group from Reese's 1900, an Irish pub on Long Island, drove down to Manasquan to take the plunge.
Heather Beahan was part of that group. Her sister, Katelyn, attends cerebral palsy and some other developmental disabilities.
"Every family has someone, or knows someone, who has a developmental disabilities," she said. "We need to support each other as a community."
This was the fifth year Beahan took part in the Manasquan plunge.
"It gets bigger and bigger every year," she said. "This year the water was the warmest it has ever been, I dove in twice!"
Rob Spahr may be reached at rspahr@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheRobSpahr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.