The plunge into the new year was a chill one for the Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club as they hosted their annual dip into the Monongahela River. The event, which took place this morning, did more than just provide a frigid start to the next 365, all donations went directly toward supplying jackets for those in need. According to WPXI, organizer Frank Nelson emphasized the dual purpose: "We’re here to raise money for a charitable organization, but we’re also here to start the new year off right by going into water."
For some, like first-timer Ashley Yarabinec, the event was an opportunity to reset after a challenging year. "2025 honestly wasn’t the best year. So I wanted to make a resolution to start this year off right, and the polar plunge here in Pittsburgh seemed like the best way to do it," Yarabinec told WPXI. Spirits were high despite the cold, with plunge veterans like Josh Underwood sharing wisdom to just not think about the chilling temperatures. "Don’t think about it. Dive in. Get my head under the water and crawl as fast as I can," Underwood said.
The event also brought out participants eager to give back while crossing this frigid challenge off their bucket list. Anne Cornwell, jumping in for the first time, stated, through WPXI, "I have never done it before, it’s crossing it off my bucket list." The plungers had the added benefit of knowing their chilly adventure was for a good cause.
Additional funding was raised through the sale of T-shirts and other items, with proceeds benefitting WTAE-TV's Project Bundle-Up. As TribLIVE reported, the yearly tradition pulls together the local community to support one another, both through bracing plunges and charitable giving. Weather reports indicated that this year's high temperatures would not even surpass last year's lows, adding an extra layer of bravery to those willing to take the plunge. Despite this, plungers were undeterred, demonstrating their commitment to both the cause and the spirit of invigoration that comes with starting anew.
