Supervisor Lesko (left) and Deputy Supervisor/ Councilwoman Walsh (right) receive a plaque from Neal Johnson, President and CEO of the Special Olympics of New York (back row center). In the center is athlete Matthew Schuster from Medford.	Supervisor Lesko and Deputy Supervisor/Councilwoman Walsh after taking the Polar P;unge

Farmingville, NY – On Saturday, November 19, 2011, Supervisor Mark Lesko, Deputy Supervisor Kathleen Walsh, Councilwoman Jane Bonner and other Town employees braved the cold waters of the Long Island Sound to take the Polar Plunge in support of the Special Olympics New York. The event, co-sponsored by the Town of Brookhaven, was held at Cedar Beach in Mt. Sinai and included over 500 participants, more than last year’s 350 participants. According to the event organizers, the total amount raised was over $73,000, topping last year’s amount of $50,000. The top individual fundraisers were Town employees – Thomas Roach, Director of Public Safety, raised $5,035, and Ryan Attard, Constituent Aide to the Supervisor, raised $2,775. The Sayville Athletes were top fundraising team, raising $4,905 for the Special Olympics.

“The Polar Plunge is now a tradition that will get bigger every year and I commend the organizers for the work they do on behalf of the Special Olympics,” said Supervisor Lesko, who led the “Team Freezing Taxes” and was in the first group of plungers on Saturday.

Supervisor Lesko continued, “The water was very cold, but it was well worth it. Thanks to all of the Special Olympics volunteers, participants, Town employees, fire and ambulance staff, and everyone there who worked so hard and cheered us on for a good cause.”

Deputy Supervisor /Councilwoman Kathleen Walsh said, “This was my first Polar Plunge and it was fantastic. I was so happy to see all the people who came out to support the Special Olympics, whether they plunged, volunteered or just gave us encouragement. It proves once again that Brookhaven residents can be counted on to help a worth cause.”

Councilwoman Bonner said, “It was inspiring to see such a huge crowd of plungers and spectators who showed how much Brookhaven residents care and are willing to help make a difference for the Special Olympics. They are a great organization and I look forward to working with them to make next year’s event even bigger.”

Special Olympics New York, Long Island Region has 4,000 athletes training and competing year-round in 22 Olympics-style sports. The athletes and their families or caregivers are never charged to participate. It costs $400 to support training and competition for one athlete for one sports season. for more information about the Special Olympics New York, go to www.specialolympicsny.org

Deputy Supervisor/Councilwoman Kathleen Walsh, Supervisor Mark Lesko, Director of Public Safety Tom Roach, Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Chief of Staff Brian Beedenbender, Special Assistant to the Supervisor Debbie Tinnirello and Deputy Chief of Staff Stacey Epifane Sikes.	Deputy Supervisor Kathleen Walsh and Supervisor Mark Lesko after taking the Polar Plunge at Cedar Beach.

Division of Public Information * Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone (631) 451-6595 • Fax (631) 451-6258