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Community Corner

Long Beach Polar Bears Super Bowl Splash 2012

The 13th Annual Super Bowl Splash benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York and Western New York is held in honor of young Paulie Bradley, who passed away at age 4 before being able to receive his wish.

Since inception, the Long Beach Polar Bears Super Bowl Splash has raised the astonishing amount of more than $2 million, helping to make hundreds of heartfelt wishes of children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions come true.  Last year, approximately 5,000 people braved the icy-cold water and raised more than $550,000.

To be a part of the Long Beach Polar Bears Super Bowl Splash and help make wishes come true, supporters either jump into the ocean themselves or sponsor a fearless Polar Bear. For more information on how to participate, sponsor a Polar Bear or purchase Polar Wear,  please visit www.superbowlsplash.kintera.org

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Swimmers and spectators are invited to join in the fun. Swimmers can visit www.longbeachpolarbears.org or www.superbowlsplash.kintera.org to download a waiver (waivers must be signed in order to take the plunge.)  Sponsorship forms are also available at either site.

The City of Long Beach will provide free shuttle buses to and from the event beginning at 11:30AM and running until 2:30PM. Leave your cars at home and hop on a shuttle bus!  Look for the Polar Bear sign displayed in the shuttle bus window.  Routes are listed below:

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FROM EAST END:   Begins at Riverside Blvd. & Broadway. Shuttle runs along Broadway to Maple Blvd. – to Park Avenue to LIRR. 

FROM WEST END:  Begins on Ohio Avenue & Beech Street along Beech to Grand Blvd. to Broadway. Continues along Broadway to Riverside Blvd. – then returns to Ohio and starts again.

FROM LIRR:  Begins at LIRR – runs along National Blvd. to Broadway to Riverside Blvd.

Spectators can enjoy the view from the boardwalk or the beach. Air and water temperatures in February average in the mid 30 degree range, so whether you’re wading or watching, dress warmly. Commemorative Polar Bear Wear will be available for purchase on the boardwalk. All proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation. No cash or credit cards.  Checks should be made out to Make-A-Wish Foundation.

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