Crazy for a cause

Plungers take a dip to raise funds for Special Olympics NJ February 28 was a beautiful day — bright, sunny and 42 degrees — a great day for sledding or skiing. But for some Vernon residents, it was a beautiful day for...a swim? Apparently it was for the 10 people representing Vernon Township PBA 285, who took a dive into the steamy, 37-degree Atlantic Ocean to raise money for Special Olympics NJ. “When you jump in, there’s no way you can prepare for it. It’s just cold,” said team member Robert Kulawiak. He, along with team captain Charles Reid and members Jason Haw, Anthony Lock, William Mutz, Eric Parsons, Sherriann Parsons, Ryan Quigley, Patrick Riegler and Daniel Young, raised approximately $4,100 for the cause. “The big surprise to us is that there are a number of people who donated to us that work on Wall Street,” said Kulawiak. “They are worried about keeping their heads above water, but they still managed to throw us $50 or $100. This year was definitely a surprise to us, how generous people were despite the economy.” Vernon’s police team will join the 17th annual Polar Bear Plunge next year, and according to Kulawiak, the PBA would like to increase the number of people who take the plunge with them. “This is our third year, and it’s something we plan on continuing to do year after year. We would like to get more people involved. We’d like to get more people in to ‘make the jump.’” According to the Special Olympics of NJ, the 3,700 people who took part in the dip have raised $632,996 so far. Donations can still be made until the end of this month. Still time to donate To donate, contact the Special Olympics NJ at 609-896-8000 or at www.njpolarplunge.org.