Cold Water, Great Causes

    Three charity plunges into the chilly Atlantic Ocean are planned for New Year’s Day, about an hour apart, which means that the truly brave could triple-dip, if so moved.

    The morning’s first will be at Gurney’s Inn on Old Montauk Highway in Montauk at 10:30. A $10 donation to Paddlers for Humanity will be asked, as well a contribution of nonperishable food for East End Cares, which formed to provide relief to Long Island residents affected by Hurricane Sandy. Susan Yunker at Gurney’s can answer questions.

    At 1 p.m., Atlantic Avenue Beach in Amagansett will see the annual Food Pantry Plunge. A costume contest judging begins at 12:30. The suggested minimum donation, which goes entirely to local food pantries, is $25. Warm refreshments are promised, and there will be a raffle with prizes to be announced. Registration begins at the beach at 11:30 a.m.

    Colin Mather, the original plunger here, has asked that anyone who wants to run with him from his Seafood Shop on Route 27 in Wainscott down to the ocean at the Beach Lane road end, join him at 2 p.m. His plunge will benefit Phoenix House. A $20 donation has been suggested.    

    After a relatively mild December, the forecast for New Year’s Day is appropriately wintry, with blustery winds and a high of 32 degrees, which should make for quick dips.