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Gettin’ Freezin’ for a Good Reason: Heart of the Hamptons Polar Bear Plunge Raises $350K in Southampton
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Gettin’ Freezin’ for a Good Reason: Heart of the Hamptons Polar Bear Plunge Raises $350K in Southampton
Sue Hurteau, police chief of Southampton Village, Jimmy Mack, Southampton Town Trustee with the Polar Bear and Santa. Heart of the Hamptons Polar Bear Plunge, Dec. 13, 2025 at Coopers Beach, Southampton. Photo by Ron Esposito
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Gettin’ Freezin’ for a Good Reason: Heart of the Hamptons Polar Bear Plunge Raises $350K in Southampton
Sue Hurteau, police chief of Southampton Village, Jimmy Mack, Southampton Town Trustee. Heart of the Hamptons Polar Bear Plunge, Dec. 13, 2025 at Coopers Beach, Southampton. Photo by Ron Esposito
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A Signature Hamptons Tradition
It was 29 degrees in Southampton on the second Saturday in December, and it felt even colder at Coopers Beach — but the energy was anything but chilly.
More than 300 brave participants took the dare and plunged into the Atlantic Ocean on Dec. 13 during the 22nd annual Heart of the Hamptons Polar Bear Plunge, as more than 800 onlookers — family members, friends and volunteers — cheered them on. The beloved Hamptons tradition met its fundraising goal, raising $350,000 for the local nonprofit. The beach was flooded with warm smiles all around.
Why They Took the Plunge
There was a reason to get freezin’: helping neighbors in need.
The Polar Bear Plunge is Heart of the Hamptons’ main annual fundraiser. All proceeds from donations and sponsorships directly support the organization’s year-round Food Pantry and Assistance Program, which currently serves more than 3,200 families in the Town of Southampton.
In 2025 alone, Heart of the Hamptons has provided more than half a million meals to East End residents facing food insecurity.
Local Leaders Show Up for the Cause
“In my opinion, it’s the best charitable organization in the Hamptons. I’m always proud to sponsor it,” said Jimmy Mack, a newly elected Southampton Town trustee.
Mack, the first openly gay person in the Southampton Town Trustees’ 340-year history, has participated in the Polar Bear Plunge for all 22 years. “Twenty as a mermaid and the last two as a lifeguard with Southampton Village Ocean Rescue,” he said.
Mack was joined on the beach by Sue Hurteau, chief of police for the Southampton Village Police Department, who was appointed permanent chief in July 2023. A lifelong Southampton resident with a criminal justice degree from Long Island University, Hurteau is the first female chief of police on the East End.
45 Years of Serving the Hamptons Community
For more than four decades, Heart of the Hamptons has worked with local schools, government agencies, civic groups and churches to meet critical community needs.
The nonprofit provides direct assistance to individuals and families in crisis, including hot meals for the homebound, school supplies and clothing, warm coats, emergency fuel oil, medical transportation and more.
Polar Bear Plunge 2025 photos by Ron Esposito @ronespositophotography
How to Help
To learn more or make a donation, visit heartofthehamptons.org.
