Community members from throughout the North Shore rang in the New Year Thursday by uniting for polar plunges in Nahant and Swampscott, with proceeds from the events going to My Brother’s Table and the Don Hause Legacy Fund.
Donald M. Hause, who was an active member of the Swampscott Yacht Club, died on Sept. 18, 2024, after a 10-year battle with cancer. Along with his wife, Kimberly, they raised their children Adam, Gabrielle, and Andrew in town.
Kimberly Hause said the support that people showed her family was overwhelming.
“My husband was a big part of the community. He was on the Zoning Board for many years, he was on the Select Board, and he coached lacrosse… He passed away almost two years ago, but I know the impact he had on this community was amazing,” she said.
Yacht Club Commodore Mary Webster shared her thoughts on the community coming together in support of a good cause.
“Don (Hause) was a really special member of the Town. It means a lot to me because in the past when I thought about running, he supported me wholeheartedly… It was a shock to all of us how quickly he passed. I’m happy to help any way we can,” Webster said.
Yacht Club member Mike Hartmann, who helps organize the event with his wife Christine, said that although the event started small 20 years ago, it grew very quickly each year. He added that it’s great to see the proceeds go to the Don Hause Legacy Fund.
The cold weather and snow were no match for the energy of the crowd. When the time neared 11 a.m., more than 100 participants eagerly lined up along the shore of Fisherman’s Beach. There was a countdown to the big moment, followed by the loud boom of a miniature cannon as people charged into the water.
“Every year the event is always for a great cause, and this one especially so. I’m just happy to be a part of it as a resident and a member of the club. I do it every year,” Kevin Rogers said after returning from the water.
Rob Begin noted this was the 18th year that he’s participated in the event. “You always have to kick off the new year with a little chill. It wasn’t too bad today,” he said.
In Nahant, people gathered outside the Life Saving Station at noon for the annual Freezin’ for a Reason polar plunge. The proceeds raised during the event will support My Brother’s Table in Lynn.
Event co-founder Mario Capano expressed his excitement for being able to support My Brother’s Table.
“We pick a different cause every year. With all the food instability that’s going on, we picked My Brother’s Table because it’s a great organization in the City of Lynn,” Capano said. “It’s a terrific cause for this year.”
He continued that he hopes participants take away a sense of helping the community. He said he thinks people walk away from the plunge feeling reinvigorated while contributing to a great cause.
“It was a cold one this year. Last year it was about 40 degrees outside, but this year, God seems to be playing a little trick on us. He’s making up for last year,” Capano said.
George Sonia, who also co-founded the event, said, “I’ve been involved with My Brother’s Table for over 30 years. As a volunteer and a Board member, I think it’s a wonderful organization. What they do for people who need support goes beyond just feeding them… They have a clinic, doctors and nurses who come to help people, and I just think they do a wonderful job for those in need.”
Sonia added that it’s a fun event that gets bigger each year. He said it’s nice to start off the New Year by helping support My Brother’s Table.
“My family and the Sonia family have been running this event for the last couple years, and we love picking a new charity. We like supporting local people.. We love getting together for a good cause, and doing something a little bit out of the ordinary. It’s a great way to ring in the New Year,” Jonathan Capano said prior to taking the plunge.
Before the event began at noon, there was already a huge group of people mingling on Short Beach, ready to take on the plunge.
“This annual event is a great fundraising opportunity for different things… It’s a great chance to start the New Year with a cold plunge (and) to support an important community resource,” Past Commander of the American Legion Post 215 Bob Fields said.
City of Lynn Mayor Jared C. Nicholson, who came to participate with his family, said, “It’s a great tradition that the organizers of this event do, and they have a wonderful charity that they’re supporting this year… It’s a fun holiday, and a fun way to celebrate for a good reason.”
Rep. Sean Reid echoed that sentiment, saying it’s a wonderful event that has supported many amazing causes over the years.
“My Brother’s Table does so much great work for so many, especially during these challenging times,” Reid said.
