OAKLAND, Maine (WABI) – While some sported snow gear on Saturday, others opted for a swimsuit to take part in Alfond Youth and Community Center’s (AYCC) annual Polar Plunge.
Those who faced the frigid waters in Oakland joined a community fundraising tradition now in its 33rd year.
“We are the only Boys and Girls Club and YMCA and community center in the whole nation. We’re the only combined organization,” explains AYCC Senior Director of Philanthropy and Government Relations Katherine Harvey. “[The polar plunge is] really focused on raising money to help feed kids, the kids in our after-school program.”
AYCC provides after-school programs for children in Winslow, Benton, Oakland and Waterville.
To show their support, employees of the Waterville after-school program to took the plunge. The team raised over $1,000.
“Giving kids a safe place to be after school, or whether they’re in school or not, is I think, a really good way to invest in the future, as well as just to be at a job that is really fun!” Anna Good, who was part of the team Saturday and works in HR for AYCC, comments.
Alongside AYCC employees, community members also braved the cold waters of Messalonskee Lake to support the community center.
One being Anthony Tuell, a decades-long participant who has held the title for most money donated by an individual for three years running.
He says in total, he has been able to contribute $30,000 to $50,0000.
“It’s wonderful to have the community come together,” Tuell recounts. “Last week on the bar, I bartend at Silver Street Tavern, I stood up and said, ‘Everybody, all my tips today go to this pledge.’ They donated $1,250 in one day. So it’s just, it’s a total community effort.”
Not only did Tuell bring in over $6,000 in donations this year, he has recruited friends and co-workers to participate as well.
This includes Forest Gregory, who has been taking the plunge for the last six years.
For him, the cold cannonballs are minor compared to the need AYCC aims to address.
“I jump in the water, I’m cold for 30 seconds. That’s uncomfortable. These kids without food, they’re living day-to-day in a state that is far more uncomfortable than that,” Gregory explains. “So, Tony does a great job with the fundraising. I come out each year and put my body on the line, and that’s what I consider to be my small contribution to what is a far greater good.”
Harvey says while AYCC is still accepting donations, over $20,000 has been raised so far.
“It just… moves my heart. It does because these people, they love this community. And so they’re so willing to step up and to give,” Harvey says.
To contribute and learn more, visit AYCC’s Braving Ice for Meals webpage.
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