Montauk New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge Supports Victims Of Domestic Abuse

If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to support local organizations, kick-off 2017 by pledging to take the Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Spa’s New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge. The annual dip begins at 10:30 a.m. and those who are brave enough to take the plunge are asked to make a $10 donation to The Retreat, the area’s sole domestic violence agency.

“We are thrilled to be the recipient of Gurney’s Polar Bear Plunge. Gurney’s General Manager, Michael Nenner, has become an incredible advocate for The Retreat,” shared Kimberly J. Nichols, Director of Development at The Retreat. “We are grateful for his voice and support in helping to break the cycle of violence here in our community.”

Nichols noted that reaching out for help is often quite daunting for those suffering from abuse, but The Retreat is always there for them. “The first step for those being abused is recognizing that it is happening. For those who’ve been minimizing, denying, and hiding the abuse, this can be a painful and frightening first step,” she explained. “It’s much like making that plunge into the ocean on a very cold New Year’s morning – you’ve got to ramp up your courage and you need support.”

The East Hampton-based domestic violence agency responded to 3,636 hotline calls last year and served 3,400 men, women and children. “The Retreat offers support for victims who are ready to take that plunge. Our counselors are trained in abusive relationships and can help clients navigate through the pain and fear of leaving the relationship and work to rebuild self-esteem,” Nichols noted. “Our advocates work with clients to gain Orders of Protection or address legal and custody issues. Plus, The Retreat offers education in healthy relationships, financial empowerment, and job seeking skills. Access any of these services by calling our 24-hour hotline at 631-329-2200.”

The Plunge is one of the events that allow The Retreat to aid those who are going through a difficult time without financial burden. “The Retreat offers these services for free. We are only able to do so through the incredible generosity of our community,” she noted. “Events like the Polar Bear Plunge at Gurney’s enable us to provide services to families in need.”

“Gurney’s Montauk is proud to be a part of a longstanding annual tradition to help ring in the New Year and support The Retreat in East Hampton,” added Nenner. “Montauk is a special place in the winter and we look forward to having guests and locals alike join us for the Polar Bear Plunge.”

So whether you actually submerge yourself into the frigid Atlantic Ocean or just want to watch the faces of those who do so, don’t miss a chance to support a vital East End organization. “Please join us on New Year’s Day, to jump in the ocean, or simply cheer on those who are making the plunge,” added Nichols.

Polar Bear Plungers should meet in the Gurney’s Spa Lobby at 10 a.m.

Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Spa is located at 290 Old Montauk Highway in Montauk. For more information about the Polar Bear Plunge, call 631-668-1892 or visit www.gurneysmontauk.com. For more information about The Retreat, call 631-329-4398 or visit www.theretreatinc.org.