On Sunday, February 5, Ogden Town Supervisor Mike Zale and Ogden Police Chief Travis Gray joined nearly 2,000 local residents for a dip in Lake Ontario’s icy waters as part of the 23rd annual Rochester Polar Plunge. This event directly supports Special Olympics New York by providing year-round sports training and competition along with leadership, health and inclusion programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Ogden Town Board member Sal Gerbino is the founder and organizer of the Rochester Polar Plunge. He has been instrumental in growing and promoting this successful fundraising event.
“The Rochester Polar Plunge remains the largest Plunge in the state mainly because of the hard work and dedication of our extraordinary volunteers and the support of the entire community. What a testimonial to the benefits of Special Olympics that some of those same athletes it serves also volunteer at and participate in the Plunge,” Councilman Gerbino said.
The Town of Ogden’s Polar Plunge team raised $1,425 which contributed to the over $320,000 raised at this year’s event, far surpassing the 2022 total.
“It was awesome to see so many members of the Rochester community come together on a cold winter day to raise funds for this wonderful cause,” said Supervisor Zale. “I hope this event will continue to grow and inspire our entire community. Together, we really can make a difference. Thank you to those who organized this spectacular event and who dedicate their lives to advancing the mission of Special Olympics New York each day,” Zale concluded.
Chief Gray had the distinct honor of torch bearer, carrying the flame of hope with athlete Emily Brushafer, who was also this year’s top individual fundraiser.
“This was my first ever Polar Plunge and it truly was an incredible experience,” said Chief Gray. “It was an honor to participate on the Ogden Team and represent not only our police department, but law enforcement as a whole in support of such a noble cause. The greatest honor was carrying the torch alongside Emily Brushafer who, like many Special Olympic Athletes, is an inspiration to us all.”
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