Get Freezin’ for a Reason with Heart of the Hamptons’ Annual Polar Bear Plunge

Every December, Heart of the Hamptons holds their most highly anticipated fundraising event of the year in Southampton—the Polar Bear Plunge. Back for the 20^th season in 2023, the plunge will take place at Coopers Beach in Southampton on Saturday, December 9^th at 10:00 a.m. with registration beginning at 9:00 a.m.

It’s a time to make a difference in the community by coming together and giving back, all while, as Heart of the Hamptons likes to say, “Gettin’ freezin’ for a local reason!”

Heart of the Hamptons is a nonprofit organization helping those in need on the East End. Started 42 years ago by members of the Southampton community, it has been growing with community support ever since. Molly Bishop of Heart of the Hamptons says, “Heart of the Hamptons’ mission is simple: we help people in our local community who are in need, without discrimination, in a dignified manner.”  

Since its inception, Heart of the Hamptons has developed programs, created community partnerships, and strengthened their outreach to spread as much assistance as possible for those who need it. The Polar Bear Plunge is one of their many fundraising efforts throughout the year—and the biggest with the highest value outcome. So, it’s time to get in the holiday spirit and give back to those who need our support this season!

Molly Bishop spoke more about the event and what it means to the community. She says, “This is our 20th annual Plunge. We even did a socially distanced virtual plunge in 2020. The event has been our biggest source of revenue since its inception in 2004.” She went on to explain that even after 20 years, the Polar Bear Plunge accounts for nearly 25% of Heart of the Hamptons’ annual budget. 

Molly says, “Over the twenty years, [the plunge] has grown into one of the Hamptons’ most highly anticipated events of the year. It is definitely fun and festive.” Last year, more than 800 people came out to either participate in the plunge or support others taking the plunge. Molly noted that this year is a landmark celebration with it being the 20^th anniversary of the plunge. “This year, we are celebrating with a Polar Bear Birthday Party and will have a few little extras to add to the festivities,” she says. 

Guests are invited to arrive after 9:00 a.m. and try to stay as warm as possible whether they wait in their cars, warm up on the beach with hot drinks and blankets, or so on before the signal is given to dive into the ocean at 10:00 a.m. for the plunge! Directly after the brave plungers have gotten their ice-cold water fix, participants are encouraged to stick around and warm up with treats from the Golden Pear Cafe, Shippy’s, 7-Eleven, and local renowned chef Jack Formica.

Hundreds of local neighbors come together for the Polar Bear Plunge each year to support these causes that are dear to the Southampton community, and quite simply—at the heart of the Hamptons. Proceeds from the event will benefit the year-round Food Pantry and Assistance Programs. Heart of the Hamptons serves more than 1,400 families in the Town of Southampton.

Molly says, “Heart of the Hamptons is providing a lifeline for so many families that are really struggling to afford the cost of living on the East End. Our economy depends on a strong workforce, but it is very difficult to make ends meet with the high cost of housing out here.” She went on to say, “We are so humbled to be able to support families that are working as hard as they do to provide for themselves and their children, and we are so grateful for the tremendous community support coming together to ensure every family has what they need.”

The Polar Bear Plunge is one of the most fun events in the Hamptons all year, and it is especially fun to look forward to during the winter months when yearning for holiday cheer. The event is a great way to get some cold exposure in while making a difference and taking in the beauty of Coopers Beach in the off-season!

Come out to support the mission this Saturday morning, December 9^th, whether you’re taking the plunge yourself or supporting the community—all are welcome. This is the perfect event to keep the holiday merriment going and spread some cheer that will be felt throughout the East End.

For more information, to register, join a team, or sponsor, visit https://heartofthehamptons.org.