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Braving the icy Atlantic ocean waters in support of charitable endeavors has become a tradition along the Jersey Shore.

On Saturday, that tradition kicks off with the annual Thanks4Giving Plunge to benefit the Special Olympics New Jersey [SONJ] along the shore just north of the Convention Hall in Asbury Park. Organized by the Law Enforcement Torch Run [LETR], the plunge raises funds and awareness for 25,000 Special Olympics New Jersey athletes.

“The plunges are a huge part of what we do for SONJ,” Director and retired Port Authority Police Chief Robert Belfiore said in a written statement. “Participants get to have fun for a good cause and also meet face-to-face and plunge with the Special Olympics athletes that they are supporting. It’s a rewarding experience for the individual fundraisers to meet athletes because they get to see the impact the money they raised makes.”

SONJ provides gratis year-round training and athletic competition in 24 Olympic-type events for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

This year’s Thanks4Giving Plunge is expected to raise $15,000, organizers said.The event is sponsored by Hollston Realty Group and Northeast Home Construction, with contributions from boardwalk redeveloper Madison Marquette, the owners of Asbury Park Convention Hall and The Wonder Bar.

Registration will begin at 11 am in the Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, with the cold water dip set to launch at 1 pm, organizers said. An after plunge bash will be held at the Wonder Bar, located at 1213 Ocean Ave. The event is free to plungers and $10 for supporters.

For more information, visit thx4giving.org.

[Photos courtesy of SONJ]

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