Watchung Locals Take the Plunge For Special Olympics

Watchung, NJ -- The 60-degree weather on Saturday didn’t help warm up the Atlantic Ocean’s waters during the 23rd annual Polar Bear Plunge in Seaside Heights.

Owner of Westfield Animal Hospital Dr. Anthony Loomis, along with his 7-year-old son and friends took the plunge into the icy waters on Saturday, Feb. 20 to help raise money for the Special Olympics.

“The weather was great outside but the water was still freezing cold,” Loomis said, who lives in Watchung. “The water was 34 degrees.”

Loomis’ team “Ocean Beach 2” raised $6,670 as a team. Of the total, Loomis raised $2,800 on his own and his son Rocco raised $600.

His team is named after the beach community he lives at during the summer in Lavallette.

This was the first year Loomis took the plunge and it not only served as a way to raise money for a good cause but also for a more personal reason.

“I had family members affected with special needs and my grandmother, who recently passed away was very involved in the special olympics,” Loomis said. “This was my way of honoring her.”

Altogether there were 6,052 people who plunged, raising more than $1.65 million for Special Olympics New Jersey to support the 25,000 athletes in New Jersey who participate in the Special Olympics, according to the Special Olympics New Jersey website.

Loomis plans to plunge again next year.

(Photos provided by Dr. Anthony Loomis)