The frigid air and numbing waters of the Atlantic were not enough to keep the York High School Interact Club from taking its "Polar Dip" to help a local family during a difficult time.
Photo by Steve Rasche
YORK BEACH - The York High School Interact Club gathered at Long Sands Beach on Feb. 9, ready to race into the Atlantic's frigid waters to make a difference for a local family.
About 29 participants jumped into the waves on that chilly Saturday in what organizers said was the largest turnout ever for the Polar Dip event, which has been held for several years in York Beach.
"We raised about $2,500," explained York High School Interact Club President Kaitlin Carson.
Those funds will benefit the Durkin family in York. Over the past two years, two sons in the family have both undergone bone marrow transplants.
Carson explained that Interact, which is an organization sponsored by the York Rotary Club, seeks to make a difference with special events like the Polar Dip.
This year, the Inn at Long Sands served as a warming station for the participants, Carson said, and even provided hot chocolate after the event.
"This was the biggest turnout ever," Carson said, praising the work of those involved and of the group's advisor, Kevin Raymond, in making the event a success.
The club held a fundraising campaign in advanced and passed a bucket for donations from those who attended the Polar Dip on Feb. 9.
And with the success of this year, Carson said, "We're destined to make it an annual event."
