East Boston’s Constitution Beach will host Save the Harbor/Save the Bay’s annual polar plunge to raise money for summer beach programs.
The annual Shamrock Splash that raises tens of thousands of dollars each year for the Better Beaches grant program will be at Constitution Beach this Sunday.
Already, members of local organizations that benefit from the annual grant program are eagerly waiting to take the frigid dip in the waters at Eastie’s only public beach.
With the forecast expected to be steady rain with a wintery mix Sunday and the water temperature at around 37 degrees, some plungers are making deals with donors in order to reach their fundraising goals.
Celeste Ribeiro Hewitt, Secretary for East Boston’s Harborkeepers, said that her personal goal is to surpass $500.
“These waters can be really frigid and I have been known to do more of a ‘mini dip’,” said Hewitt. “This year, if I reach my $500 fundraising goal – I’ll go all in, hair and all. This year I’m excited to be back at an in person event with splashers from all over. I’m especially excited because I will be splashing for the second time with fellow Harborkeepers board members at our home beach in East Boston, and all the other splashers are coming with us.”
While the Splash is usually in Southie, Hewitt said she is excited that the first Shamrock Splash after the pandemic is at Constitution Beach because it is an opportunity to showcase the neighborhood’s natural resources.
“I think we have one of the most versatile beaches of all time,” said Hewitt. “Not only is it one of the most versatile beaches, it is one of the most accessible beaches in the Boston Harbor. We use it for so many things like recreation and education so it’s really exciting to be able to host this year and show people that the money we raise is keeping a great neighborhood resource going.”
Over at Piers Park Sailing Center, the sailing center’s fundraising team ‘Piers Park Aqua Warriors’ has raised nearly $1,000 for the Splash.
PPSC Executive Director Alex DeFronzo has personally raised $200 towards the team’s $2,500 goal.
“Save the Harbor’s Better Beaches Program is a highlight of every summer,” said DeFronzo. “Please help me support this important programming to make the beaches more fun, welcoming, and accessible. I can’t wait to jump in the harbor, especially at the new Eastie location for 2022. I am grateful for your donations and for your help in spreading the word.”
Combined, the two Eastie teams and individual Splashers from the neighborhood hope to raise $5,000 once again for the Better Beaches grant program.
“Save the Harbor/Save the Bay is one of Piers Park Sailing Center’s most valued partners. When it comes to making Boston’s beaches welcoming and accessible to everyone they are a true champion,“ added DeFronzo.
Registration for the annual event opened last month and registered teams will fundraise up until the day of the Splash.
You can donate to the the Eastie Splashes at https://savetheharbor.securesweet.com/donate.asp,
Last year, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay and the Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) awarded $32,500 in Better Beaches program grants to five Eastie organizations and individuals to support free beach events and programs throughout the summer. In Eastie, the East Boston YMCA, Harborkeepers, NOAH (Neighborhood of Affordable Housing), Piers Park Sailing Center and Triangle, Inc. All nonprofits hosted events including wellness classes, a maritime festival, kayaking and the “Beach:Ability” program for people with disabilities.