The Greece American Legion Post #468 Polar Cubs Team has participated in the Rochester Polar Plunge for 11 years in a row.
Back in 2012, three members from the Greece American Legion Auxiliary decided to participate in the Polar Plunge event. Wendy Coccitti, one of the founding members, and current Polar Cubs team captain said, “We thought we did great by raising $2,700 our first year.”
This year’s Polar Cubs team had 55 members, representing all of the organizations at the Greece American Legion, with 23 of those members taking the plunge into Lake Ontario.
At this year’s Rochester Polar Plunge held on February 5, 2023, Post 468 Polar Cubs were the Top Fundraising Team overall, raising over $18,000. Typically, one of the top five fundraising teams each year, the team is very proud of the amount raised for this year’s event, and set a goal to do even better in 2024. The team was also the top fundraising team in 2018 Polar Plunge.
During the 2021 and 2022 COVID pandemic, the Polar Plunge was cancelled. The Polar Cubs Team decided it was too important to let a year go by and not fundraise for the charity, the Rochester Area Special Olympics. With the help of the Barnard Fire Department, the Polar Cubs still got wet! The firefighters set up their hoses to spray the team as they ran under the water. This was accomplished both years, in 2021 and 2022 when the official Polar Plunge event was cancelled.
Throughout the year The American Legion Post 468 holds many events to raise money, from euchre tournament to painting classes. Members also seek donations from family, friends and co-workers to support the charity. Many Legion members have friends or family who have participated in Special Olympics through the years. This year, one of the team members who is now living in Florida, flew in to take the plunge and was awarded the, “Plunger Who Traveled Farthest” honor.
The Rochester Polar Plunge was first held in 2001 and is the largest in New York State. The event benefits Special Olympics New York and supports their Programs and Services.
The members of Post 468 Polar Cubs are proud to support such a wonderful program.
Provided Information and Photos
