Making waves: Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge raises $60,000 for local nonprofits

The Coney Island Polar Bear Club announced this week that its annual New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge raised more than $60,000, benefiting seven local Coney Island non-profits. The event, hosted in collaboration with the Alliance for Coney Island, drew over 6,000 participants.

The Polar Bear Club, the oldest winter bathing organization in the United States, swims in the Atlantic Ocean every Sunday from November through April. Since its formation in 1903, the club’s New Year’s Day plunge has raised more than $500,000 in donations from brave plungers welcoming the new year.

“The New Year’s Day Plunge is not only a thrilling tradition, but also a vital fundraiser that helps strengthen our community,” said Cindy Vourderis, event organizer and the marketing and events director for the Alliance for Coney Island.

Among the recipients was the New York Aquarium, which plans to use the funds to support local marine conservation programs aimed at keeping New York’s waters safe for the community and wildlife, and Coney Island USA, which will use the funds to continue preserving the arts in Coney Island, like the Coney Island Museum and Sideshows by the Seashore.

Other organizations included the Coney Island Public Library, the Coney Island Brighton Beach Open Water Swimmers (CIBBOWS), the Coney Island History Project, and Parachute Literary Arts.

“This donation will help strengthen the library, ensuring it remains a valuable hub for the community. Without your help, the library cannot run. Thank you to everyone for supporting the Coney Island community,” said Borris Ioselev from the Coney Island Library.

The Alliance for Coney Island, a nonprofit public-private partnership, is dedicated to the year-round revitalization of Coney Island. It receives support from the New York City Council, the Brooklyn Borough President, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation to assist businesses, nonprofits, and the community.

The awardees were recognized for their impact on the community on Sunday, March 30 during a check presentation ceremony. 

“The Coney Island Polar Bear Club is deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to our fundraising efforts — whether by donating, volunteering, or supporting our mission to give back to the community we call home,” said Jarred Lustgarten, president of the Coney Island Polar Bear Club. “Your generosity helps us make a lasting impact, ensuring we can continue this tradition and create even more opportunities for service and celebration. Thank you!”