Jan 1, 2007 2:05 pm US/Eastern
L Street Brownies Kick Off 2007 With Polar Plunge
by Paul Burton
SOUTH BOSTON (CBS4) ―
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Nearly 600 people jumped into the frigid water in South Boston Monday morning.
CBS4
For some people there's only one way to start off the new year.
And for 2007, nearly 600 turned out for the famous L Street Brownies Polar Plunge into nearly Boston Harbor.
79-year-old Jackie Frank said it was time to spice up her life.
"I am going to be 80 in March and this is my splash for my 80th year."
The water temperature was just above 40 degrees.
A tenacious Dedham team said the Polar Plunge is a tradition.
"We are just high school buddies, we played football together we have been doing it for 10 years now," said Sean Kelleher. "Just something we got to do."
Twelve-year-old Joey Cerato took part in the Polar Bear Plunge for a good cause -- to raise money for Camp Sunshine, a retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. "It feels good to do stuff for other people."
Joey's brother Tim also helped out, even though he was working through a cold. "My dad had cancer and my grandfather passed away from cancer and I wanted to help him with his fundraiser."
The Brownies are the oldest Polar Bear swimming club in America. This particular plunge began back in 1901.
This year's theme is Southie's Spirit.
Many people do it for charity or in honor of loved ones.
"I am doing it in memory of my daugter Lauren," said Joe Thibeau.
"I call her daddy's girl. She passed away from leukemia two years ago. She was six years old."
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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