my very first polar bear dip was in 2010 I was 19 years old and that's when the legend of “the girl in the red bikini” started. I was number 78 that year and I was either referred to as the girl in the red bikini for number 78 for the last 10 years. The polar bear dip has always had a very special place in my heart and my families. My mother Debbie jumped in the very first PBD all the way until 2009. 2010 I took over tradition, not only is it a wonderful charity event for River hospital (a very small hometown hospital tucked up in snowy, upstate New York in the village of Alex bay, which to many locals we know it's a ghost town in the winter has over half of the town businesses are seasonal) River Hospital truly really depends on their community and events in charities that we do throughout the year to raise money to keep the hospital afloat. I worked in the lab at River hospital for a year and a half, it was a wonderful, very small tight hospital, where I truly enjoyed going to work every day. over the last 10 years minus the three when they were virtual I have brought hundreds of people to the event to either take place in raising money and actually jumping to just coming out and supporting the people and supporting Bonnie Castle with buying room's and eating at the restaurant and the bar. I've always been very proud of my "fame" i've always encourage people to support the event and jump. Every year all my friends and I book a room at Bonnie castle, head up on a Friday afternoon and have a blast the whole weekend. Friday nights are always down at skiffs, where I guest bartend and 100% of the tips go to the polar bear dip! the next morning when everyone's hung over (lol) we all get up and get ready for the big dip. We’re usually all completely exhausted by 5 o'clock and everyone takes a power nap and then it seems like the whole town heads down to skiffs and we party the night away with live music and a great great group of people. And then Sunday mornings, we all go to Bonnie castle restaurant and have a delicious Sunday brunch. It really is the “Super Bowl” of my year. I was fortunate to be featured in two of the polar bear dip commercials, and on the events postcard that is sent out every winter.  

I am jumping alone this year and I would really like to set my goal to $4000. 100% of the proceeds go directly to River hospital to keep their beautiful small town hospital going strong! 

If you are from the area or have ever been a patient at River Hospital I urge you to please donate. ANY amount matters! 

Thank you all soooo much and i’ll see you at the dip! ❄️

The Polar Bear Dip has been raising money for River Hospital in Alexandria Bay, NY for over 30 years. By joining this event you are joining thousands of people who have made a difference for River Hospital over the years. This year, more than ever no matter how you dip what is important is that you help us continue the Dip tradition for River Hospital!