Last year, for the first time River Hospital’s 31st Annual Polar Bear Dip went virtual. The successful event raised over $50,000 for the purchase of an Echocardiogram for River Hospital’s newly renovated Cardiopulmonary Department. This year, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and in effort to keep the community safe, The Friends of River Hospital are excited to announce an all-virtual event again for 2022. “It’s important that we keep the tradition alive, but, as a local hospital, we have to always have safety in mind. Just because the format has changed, doesn’t mean the excitement, fun, or importance of the event has to,” says Stephanie Weiss, Executive Director of Development.
The minimum donation goal to participate is $50.00 for Dippers, regardless of age. Once registered online, Dippers can start planning their virtual dip. All are encouraged to use their imagination; from doing snow angels in your swimsuits or costumes, to lounging in a cold-water kiddie pool, to snowball fights in the snow; everything qualifies except jumping into a body of water. Participants will photograph or record video of their Dip, send to River Hospital and share their Dips and fundraising goals with friends and family during the months of January and February. The final event, to include participant submissions and a virtual judging party, will be held online on Saturday, February 26th.
This year’s funding will support resources for the Emergency Department, including additional cardiac monitors which are critical to the hospital’s COVID-19 response efforts.
For additional details on how you can participate in the Virtual Polar Bear Dip visit the events page at www.riverhospital.org or find River Hospital on Facebook. Contact Friends of River Hospital by e-mail at