Icy Plunge in West Haven raises money for breast cancer

WEST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)-- The 13th annual Icy Plunge for the Cure, a benefit for breast cancer, happened Saturday morning at 9 AM on a beach in West Haven.

Officials say  participants gathered at the beach, behind the Savin Rock Conference Center, and waited for the signal to charge into Long Island Sound. The first 100 people who registered, received "plungewear" but wetsuits were not allowed.

The event, organized by the Breast Cancer Awareness Committee, which first began in 2001, brought back plunge veterans Mayor John M. Picard and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal.

Organizers say several city, police and fire departments formed teams and issued challenges to one another to raise the stakes and more money for the cause.

The top fundraiser received a prize.

"The plunge is a celebration of survivors and a remembrance of those loved ones who have died of the disease," said Public Works Commissioner Beth A. Sabo, a founding committee member.

Proceeds, from the event in the past, have gone to the Looking Forward program at the Hospital of Saint Raphael's, Father Michael J. McGivney Center for Cancer Care, the Susan A. Ruickoldt Scholarship Fund, and the Yale Breast Center at Yale-New Haven's Smilow Cancer Hospital.

You can send checks to make a donation to the West Haven Breast Cancer Awareness, Department of Public Works, 355 Main St., West Haven 06516.