The 35th Annual Polar Bear Dip will take place on Saturday February 22, 2025 at 1pm at the Bonnie Castle Resort and Marina in Alexandria Bay, NY. Over the past 35 years, this event has raised over $1.1 million to fund capital equipment upgrades for River Hospital, including updates to mammography equipment, echocardiogram equipment and new cardiac monitors. This year the funding will support purchasing upgraded vital sign monitors in the operating rooms.
“We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate our 35th year of bringing together family, friends, tradition, and generosity”, said Stephanie Weiss, Executive Director of Development. “The success of the Polar Bear Dip wouldn’t be possible without our local community, sponsors, and volunteers who have supported this event for years. We are also grateful for the local fire departments and dive teams who volunteer their time to help the event run smoothly and safely. Each year we are awestruck by the imagination of the costume design, and the bravery these dippers show, all to help the Hospital and to help others”.
Dippers can pre-register in advance and begin fundraising online. There will also be a registration option on the day of the event from 10am-12pm. All registrants will receive their dipper number on February 22nd at Bonnie Castle. As in years past, if you are interested in dipping the minimum donation amount is $100, and all dippers must be at least 18 years of age.
For additional details or questions on how you can volunteer or participate in the Polar Bear Dip visit the events page at www.riverhospital.org, find River Hospital on Facebook, or contact Lynn Thompson at