Annual North Topsail Beach Polar Plunge raises money for Down syndrome

NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH, N.C. (WITN) - Participants braved chilly ocean waters Thursday during an annual polar plunge event.

North Topsail Beach Shrimp Dip hosted the plunge on January 1 to raise money for the Down Syndrome Network of Carteret and Onslow Counties.

The event has become a New Year’s tradition for many coastal residents, with organizers reporting increased fundraising each year since its inception during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Event coordinator Davonna Thomas said last year’s event raised $4,500, and she hopes to raise a higher amount this time around.

“It has grown every year, and I’m really hoping for $5,000 this year,” Thomas said.

Despite sunny skies and temperatures in the 50’s, participants from across the state and country took a plunge into the cold Atlantic waters.

John Crabtree, 75, has participated in the Shrimp Dip since he was 70. He said the charitable cause motivates him to continue participating.

“The cause is the motivation. Some disease or issue touches almost all families, and Down syndrome is something our family has been blessed with, if you will,” Crabtree said.

Kevin and Nancy Hennessy, who are spending the winter in North Carolina after living through New York’s snowy winters, said they still felt the shock of the cold water.

“It’s cold and chilly. The water wakes you up real fast,” Nancy Hennessy said.

The Shrimp Dip began as a COVID-era event to ring in the New Year and has now reached its fifth year.