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Save the Harbor/Save the Bay
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS (Boston.com) - Residents from all over Boston braved the chilly waters in Dorchester Bay on Saturday as they splashed into the ocean for a good cause.
The 2nd annual Cupid Splash to benefit Save the Harbor/Save the Bay went off without a hitch, as youngsters and old timers took a plunge to help raise money for a beach and ocean they love.
“It’s a place where we could come and enjoy our beach,” South Boston native Mary Lou Rosher, 59, said as she prepared to plunge with her friends into the frigid waters off the L Street Bath House.
“When we were kids it was so polluted, and it’s such a joy now to go into it without catching any diseases,” added South Boston native, Clare Donegan, 50. “It’s a great way to show that we’ve enjoyed the water all our lives, and it’s a joy to do something to show our support.”
The look of apprehension and chattering teeth were apparent, as swimmers prepared themselves for the 41-degree water.
“I don’t really know, but I think’s it’s going to be pretty cold. … This is my first time, but I’m excited,” said Liz Melby, 37, from Somerville.
David Coffin, 52, a Gloucester resident, said he also thought the water was going to be chilly, especially since he took the plunge last year.
“I know it’s going to be cold since I did it last year. But if it was 70 degrees, 80 degrees outside, I think it would be much harder going in,” Coffin said.
“It’s going to be very cold, maybe I will turn a little blue,” added Sarah Ladd, 25, a Brighton resident. “But we need to preserve the bay and protect it so we can continue to enjoy it.”
Bruce Berman, spokesman for Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, praised the turnout.
“Last year we started small, this year we have over 150 swimmers just at this beach and that’s great,” Berman said.
The South Boston plunge was the flagship swim for the day, but supporters also took chilly dips all over the greater Boston area from Hull to Revere.
“Clean water connects communities and changes lives,” said Berman. “I think the love showed here is a fact that water is what connects us all.”
Last year the group raised more than $20,000 to benefit community events at beaches around Boston and this year Berman said the group raised over $30,000.
All funds from the event will be used to benefit Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, a non-profit group that works to not only highlight the assets of the many beaches throughout the region, but also sponsor events at the beaches, like last year’s sandcastle building completion in Revere and movie nights on the M Street Beach.
The corporate sponsore were Harpoon Brewery and Jet Blue.
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Updated 449 days ago Article ID# 1519956
Save the Harbor/Save the Bay
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