Swampscott Polar Bear plunge on Jan. 1

SWAMPSCOTT-Plunging into the frigid waters off Fisherman’s Beach on New Years Day will warm the soul and help fill some empty stomachs at the same.The third annual Swampscott Yacht Club (SYC) Polar Bear Plunge, which is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Jan. 1, is a fundraiser for My Brother’s Table, a soup kitchen in Lynn.Anyone wanting to take the plunge is asked to raise a minimum of $100, which will be donated to My Brother’s Table.Swampscott resident Christan Bendicksen, who is a member of the SYC, has been a volunteer cook at My Brother’s Table for more than a year.”A friend of mine introduced my to My Brother’s Table awhile back,” he said. “I thought it was time to give a little more back so I volunteered to cook the last Sunday of every month,” he said. “I am responsible for preparing the whole meal. I can say it is the best day of the month. It’s a lot of fun.”Bendicksen said this will be his first year taking a dip in the chilly waters on New Year’s Day.”I am absolutely taking the plunge,” he said. “I’m coming back from vacation just to take the swim. I wouldn’t miss it.”Bendicksen certainly won’t be alone. Last year more than 150 people braved the 45 degrees off the coast of Swampscott and raised $9,000 for the Swampscott High School scholarship funds set up to honor the memories of U.S. Army Spc. Jared Raymond and U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Jennifer Harris.Bendicksen said the organizers hope for an even larger turnout this year.”We hope to raise at least $10,000 this year,” he said. “It’s for a good cause and it’ll be a lot of fun.”Anyone interested in taking the plunge, sponsoring the event or volunteering should e-mail Jill Hartmann at [email protected] for additional information.Anyone who would like to make a donation should send it in care of the Swampscott Yacht Club, Box 12, Swampscott, MA 01907.