A contingent of Robbinsville faculty, staff and students were among those from all over the region who gathered last month to plunge in the frigid waters of the Atlantic to raise money for Special Ol
by Amy Batista, Special Writer
SEASIDE HEIGHTS — A contingent of Robbinsville faculty, staff and students were among those from all over the region who gathered last month to plunge in the frigid waters of the Atlantic to raise money for Special Olympics.
”We both wanted to bring money to Seaside and benefit the Special Olympics,” said Robbinsville Board of Education Member Vincent Costanza. “I have family that live and work in Seaside Park and we both have enjoyed many fun times at the shore with our families in Seaside.”
Mr. Costanza along with one of his best friends, Bill Berdan, decided to take the plunge together and raised close to a $1,000.
”We both are members of the Italian American Society of Mercer County and they were supportive of us representing the group in the plunge,” Mr. Costanza said. “As such, we adorned ourselves with Italian flag Speedos.”
Mr. Costanza and Mr. Berdan were among the local participants who were partaking in the event for the first time.
”The experience was better than anticipated,” Mr. Costanza said. “Although the water was a balmy 38 degrees, we went in twice and took in the sun for a good hour after the plunge in our beach chairs.
”The event was packed with people from many different walks of life dedicated to raising money for the Special Olympics and Seaside,” he added.
Marybeth Kowalski, Project UNIFY club advisor and teacher at RHS, said she has a special place in her heart for the Special Olympics.
”I have coached Special Olympics for 10 years and it has always been close to my heart,” said Ms. Kowalski. “Once we started a Project UNIFY club last year at RHS, we thought it would be a great way to raise money for the organization.”
The team, which raised over $3,000, consisted of five teachers and three students who plunged including Ms. Kowalski, Joan Douglass; a teaching assistant; Jen Smith, a teacher; Kristina Mannino, a teacher; Lauren Tyndorf , a teacher; Kellie Hodson, a senior; Caitlyn Krueger and Carly Fiorello, both sophomores.
The recent plunge marked Ms. Kowalski’s second go around, she said, noting this time it was a bit warmer.
”It really is not as bad as people might imagine due to the adrenaline rush,” she said. “The worst part is walking back to your car. The trick is to wear something on your feet even if it’s just socks, as your feet become numb instantaneously.”
Caitlyn said she always wanted to be a part of Special Olympics so she joined Project UNIFY and thought it was the “perfect opportunity.”
”My favorite part was standing on the beach waiting to dive into the ocean and realizing that everyone on this beach is here for the same reason,” Caitlyn said. “We were all there to support Special Olympics and all the amazing things they do to help the athletes.”
Superintendent Steven Mayer said he is excited to see the students and staff being proactive and supportive in raising awareness of the special challenges many individuals face.
”Reaching out to help others in a spirit of grace and compassion is an important value in our school district,” Dr. Mayer said.
According to a press release, the plunge has taken place in Seaside Heights since 2007. Point Pleasant hosted the event previously.
This year’s event raised $1.2 million, according to the release.
All proceeds from the Polar Bear Plunge benefit the more than 24,000 Special Olympics athletes who train and compete year-round throughout New Jersey. The Polar Bear Plunge is sponsored by the New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run, the New Jersey State PBA, and Aerotek. Online donations to plungers will be accepted through May.
To learn more about the Polar Bear Plunge at www.njpolarplunge.org.

