WESTFIELD-Two sisters are among the teams forming for the Westfield Polar Plunge at Kingsley Beach at the Hampton Ponds State Park.
The fundraiser on March 7 is presented by the Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics Massachusetts.
Kaelyn Bartlett, 11, a fifth grade student at the Westfield Intermediate School, and Olivia Bartlett, 8, a third grade student at the Southampton Road School, are encouraging their friends to join their team titled “Chattering Crazies.” At press time, the girls have 12 members on their team and have raised $758.
Sisters Kaelyn Bartlett, 11, and Olivia Bartlett, 8, have formed a team called Chattering Crazies for the Westfield Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Massachusetts. (Annie Bartlett photo)
“We want to raise money for Special Olympics because it is an awesome way for people with special abilities to show what they can do just like everyone else,” said Kaelyn Bartlett.
Olivia Bartlett shared a similar sentiment.
“I am still recruiting friends and tell them it would be really nice to raise money for others so they can do Special Olympics,” said Olivia Bartlett.
Plunging into ice cold water is an annual event for the family, according to Annie Bartlett.
“The girls are very enthusiastic about running into the pond,” said Annie Bartlett. “We all love to explore beaches and we choose a different beach in the new year to run in and run out.”
The family particularly enjoys visiting White Horse Beach in Plymouth, Mass., and Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, Conn., for their annual winter dip into the freezing water.
“I saw the event on Facebook and asked the girls if they wanted to do the plunge and they were all for it,” said Bartlett.
Besides Bartlett, the girls will be cheered on by their stepfather, Justin Dekarz, and grandparents, Jeanne Dekarz, and Peter and Cathy Kiendzior.
“We decided we are going to have T-shirts that say our team name and we will wear white tutu’s,” said Olivia Bartlett.
The girls originally had set a goal of raising $200 and have already surpassed that mark.
“We have beaten our team goal but want to raise more,” said Kaelyn Bartlett.
Southwick resident Erica Ireland, an officer with the West Springfield Police Department, is coordinating logistics for the fundraiser.
“We want to get people excited about this event,” said Ireland, who has participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics for 13 years in the region. “We have 14,000 Special Olympics athletes in Massachusetts who need our support and the event also provides awareness about the organization.”
Participants will check in at 10 a.m. at the park, 1048 North Road, and the plunge begins at noon. Those who fundraise $100 or more and are registered prior to the event will receive a limited edition Polar Plunge long-sleeve shirt.
After the plunge, several awards will be given including for the top fundraising individual, the top fundraising team, best costume, and a “golden plunger” which is a “spirit” award, according to Stephanie Esposito, director of development, Law Enforcement Torch Run, Special Olympics Massachusetts.
“Polar Plunge is a signature fundraising campaign for Special Olympics globally, and in Massachusetts, it raises almost $500,000 annually, which goes directly to supporting 14,000 Special Olympics athletes throughout the year,” said Esposito. “We invite local Special Olympics programs to get involved in their nearest plunge, so we’re hopeful that athletes from Hampden County will plunge in Westfield with us.”
At press time, local restaurants helping out to feed the polar plungers and volunteers include Alessio’s Pizza, Family Pizza, Gigi’s Pizza, Boston Bay Pizza #2, Santorini Pizzeria Restaurant and Millie’s Kitchen & Deli.
Direct Sound Events, owned by Sean Crawford, a New Britain, Conn., firefighter, will serve as disc jockey.
Sponsors for the event include Saltmarsh Industries, Inc., in Southwick, and Powers’ Restaurant & Cafe, Kelley & Katzer Real Estate, and Hale Financial Planning Group, LLC, all of West Springfield.
For more information on registering a team or donating to a team like the Chattering Crazies (https://bit.ly/37og1qf), visit https://specialolympicsma.donordrive.com/event/WestfieldPlunge, or call (508) 485-0986.
“We have at least 50 plungers and are hoping for 100 or more,” said Ireland, adding that plungers can also register on the morning of the event.
