By Mary Ellen Zangara, Special Writer
It really isn’t beach weather yet with nice warm water but according to four local residents, they thought the water was just fine to take a late winter swim.
The four — all members of the Manville-Hillsborough Elks Lodge No. 2119 — took the dip to help raise money for charity the Miracle Plunge V-Freezin For A Reason with the proceeds going to Cooley’s Anemia and Elks Camp Moore.
Mark Nipps, Scott Strungis and Mike Knitowski of Manville and Gary Abramson of Hillsborough braved the cold to raise over $2,500 combined for the charity. The March 12 event was held in Belmar on a sunny and windy day about 55 degrees but the water was a numbing cold at 39 degrees.
Veteran plunger Nipps took his third swim for the cause.
”I used to go to Point Pleasant in the past when the NJ PBA had their plunge and it always looked like a very fun thing to try. I was on the NJ ELKS website the one day looking for information and I saw the event advertised and figured why not give it a try,” he said.
Over the years, Mr. Nipps has raised approximately $2,000. Last year he raised around $1.100 and in his first year it was $975.
And how long did he stay in the water?
”It was tough to say as the time goes by very fast,” Mr. Nipps said. “I would probably say for a minute or two. I do make it a point to go all the way under.
”I am glad that I got involved with raising money for the two charities that this event benefits — Cooley’s Anemia and Elks Camp Moore. This year this event raised over $90,000 and it continues to grow in stature every year.”
Mr. Strungis has done the plunge once before but the weather prevented them from going into the water past their knees.
He participated, he said, “To raise money for our kids and the CAF and ‘cause it’s totally nuts to jump in the cold ocean!
”Three years ago I went along as a supporter for our lodge. It looked like fun. When I became ER I decided with other ERs in the district to make a go of it with them.”
Mr. Strungis didn’t have a set goal for his donations. He said he raised about $100. The weather didn’t bother Mr. Strungis as it was, “Lovely! A little windy on the beach. Bright and sunny.
Mr. Strungis said it “felt like about a year!” that he was in the water. “It was probably no more than a minute.”
”It was really neat. I would plunge again next year,” he said. “It’s a nice day with other like-minded Elks and the excitement of the event is always contagious. I had grand visions of diving into the breakers and going completely under the waves.
”The water temp stopped me cold! I don’t know how some other plungers go all the way.”
Mr. Knitowski thought the plunge would be fun to do and for a worthy cause to raise money for the children afflicted with the disease. He got involved because, “I was at a regular meeting at the Elks lodge and people were talking about the Polar Plunge and then asked for any volunteers, so I decided to help out. I never was presented a chance to do it. The next morning after the meeting, my wife, Deb sent out a bunch of e-mails to people and I went door to door to my relatives’ houses and collected $510 in just 10 days. Next year my goal is $1,000.”
Getting into the water was the part that they had to psych themselves up for. Mr. Knitowski said he “Just ran toward the ocean and thought OK — one big dive and out. I lost my Hawaiian lei my wife gave me to wear. It was quite chilling but I am looking forward to next year, it was a great day. I am ready to solicit others to join us next year.”
Mr. Knitowski joked by saying “My feet are still thawing.”
Mr. Abramson explained how he got involved.
”Past state president John Sentner is a good friend of mine and he is the mover and shaker behind this fundraising event for the Southeast District. All monies raised are split between Elks Camp Moore and the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation. This is my second year plunging, although last year could be called more of a dip since the Belmar police wouldn’t let us in beyond knee level. Something about 10- to 12-foot waves brought about by an approaching Nor’easter.
”I was there the year before to root on Mark Nipps, Tommy Lunger, Joe DeScenza, state President Roy DeRitter and a few more. The one plunge I missed attending was the inaugural one. As district deputy Grand Exalter Ruler last year, I challenged the district’s Exalted Rulers to join me in the plunge — Middlesex, Manville, Princeton, Bound Brook, Clinton and Somerset Hills all accepted the challenge.”
With the donations that Mr. Abramson raised helped out. “For both plunges my goal was a modest $250. To date I have raised almost $700. We will break $1,000 next year. This past plunge we collectively raised over $90,000. This brings the four year total to over $260,000.”
Even though it was chilly, Mr. Abramson said “This March 12th was like a stroll in the park — sunny, moderate winds, shore temp of 55, water temp of 42.
”Still, it beat the stuffin’ out of last year’s Nor’easter when we were hit by high winds, blowing sand and cloudy and cool skies.
”It’s a blast. The camaraderie is phenomenal,” he said. For 90 seconds of exquisite pain, it is well worth the effort. Most all plungers continue to make this an annual event — they call it ‘freezin’ for a reason’. That is what Elkdom is all about. Finding new and interesting ways to raise money for those less fortunate than ourselves, be it special needs children, veterans, scholarships, community support, or whatever. As long as you are having fun doing it, then the effort was well worth it.”
Mr. Nipps wants some more plungers for next year and he invited everyone to participate.
”Come on down to Belmar next year in March and join in on the Miracle Plunge V-Freezin For A Reason. You will not forget it!”

