(Alexandria Bay, NY — March 2026) — Cold water, big cheers, and even bigger generosity defined Saturday’s 36th Annual Polar Bear Dip at Bonnie Castle Resort and Marina. With 155 registered dippers and hundreds of spectators lining the shoreline, this year’s event raised $117,000 in support of upgraded vital sign monitors for River Hospital’s Emergency Department and Ambulatory Surgery Unit. Despite brisk temperatures and icy water, participants charged into the St. Lawrence River with costumes, confidence, and more than a little courage.
“This event never fails to amaze me,” said Stephanie Weiss, Executive Director of Development at River Hospital. “The creativity, the bravery, and the generosity on display are extraordinary. Every single person who leaped into that water helped strengthen patient care right here at home.”
Over its 36-year history, the Polar Bear Dip has now raised more than $1.2 million for critical equipment upgrades at River Hospital. This year’s funds will help replace aging patient monitors that continuously track heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and breathing patterns, allowing clinical teams to detect changes quickly and respond in real time.
Saturday’s event featured spirited competition across six award categories, recognizing creativity, enthusiasm, and fundraising achievement.
This year’s winners included:
Best Team Costume: Drop Zone Dippers
Best Individual Costume: Matthew Kinne
Best Team Dip Style: Just Close Your Eyes and Say Yes
Best Individual Dip Style: Charlee Pike
Top Team Fundraiser: Cody 22
Top Individual Fundraiser: Dr. Eric Seifer
Judges Patrick Murphy, Bobby Cantwell, Sue Rapant, Kelley Tiernan, and Dr. Elizabeth Duque evaluated participants, watching for style, teamwork, creativity, and fundraising impact. Organizers extended special thanks to Bonnie Castle Resort and Marina for once again hosting the event, as well as the many volunteers, safety personnel, and dive teams who ensured the day ran smoothly and safely.
“This event only works because of the dozens of volunteers who show up early, stay late, and make sure every dipper gets in and out of the water safely,” Weiss said. “It is truly a community effort.”
From first-time participants to returning teams who have dipped for years, the 2026 Polar Bear Dip once again proved that when the community comes together, even freezing temperatures cannot cool its commitment to local healthcare.