- May 12, 2024
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Gil Saunders, from Virginia, and Flagler Beach resident Holly Moree plunge into chilly water while dressed as snowmen. Moree said last year's plunge was even colder, but this year's felt "invigorating." Photo by Paige Wilson
After the plunge, Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney and Sgt. Dave Arcieri pose with their first place trophy for the costume contest. The pair was Willy Wonka and Grandpa Joe. Photo by Paige Wilson
Palm Coast resident Jon Lessig runs into the water after the main group already plunged. Photo by Paige Wilson
Palm Coast residents Jon and Peggy Lessig said they participated in the plunge for their niece Rachel, who has Down syndrome. Photo by Paige Wilson
A hat from the snowman group sits on the ramp leading up near the Flagler Beach pier. Photo by Paige Wilson
With every stride down the sand and into the ocean at Flagler Beach, Peggy Lessig thought of her niece: "my adventure buddy sister, Rachel."
Lessig said the cold didn't bother her as she plunged into the water, but the rough conditions came as a bit of a surprise. She and her husband, Jon Lessig, participated in the fourth-annual Polar Plunge on Saturday, Feb. 3. The pair has done at least 10 polar plunges, but this was their first one in the ocean.
"Rachel would love this day," Peggy Lessig said. "They live in Orlando. We do this for Rachel and for Special Olympics."
The couple said their niece, Rachel Cudia, who has Down syndrome, is quite the Special Olympics athlete, as she specializes in tennis, swimming, paddle boarding and gymnastics.
The Lessigs were two of about 70 people who made the plunge to raise money for Special Olympics Florida. The temperature hung around the high 50s and low 60s, suiting the "polar" theme for the plunge.
Participants donated at least $15 each to make the plunge, which will go to local Special Olympics athletes so they can participate in the Special Olympics Florida Fall Classic at ESPN Wide World of Sports in November.
The Flagler County Sheriff's Office, FCSO's Police Athletics League, Flagler Beach Police Department and Bunnell Police Department were involved in the plunge, said Kim Hale, FCSO PAL director.
"I just love it," Hale said. "They're a great group of people and a great group of kids we're involved with. My niece is actually going to school for Special Olympics, so it makes it very near to me because she just loves a lot of the kids here in the community."
Hale said about 63 people raised $1,300 at last year's Polar Plunge. She's expecting a higher total this year, as they've gotten more sponsors and donations.
