CT3 Polar Plunge Supporting the Friendship Foundation

On February 4, 2024, we hosted our first ever polar plunge at Manhattan Beach Pier to raise money for the Friendship Foundation. We are happy to report that we raised over $250,000! We were introduced to the Friendship Foundation over the off season and immediately knew we wanted to partner with them for the CT3F annual event.

Participants Plunging into the icy waters of Manhattan Beach during the CT3 Polar Plunge. Photo credit: Carrie Giordano.

If you do not have a friend or family member who has intellectual or developmental disabilities, the issues that the Friendship Foundation addresses might not be on your radar.  But when their director Yossi Mintz explained their mission and work to us, it was so apparent how important their work is. People with special needs often have access to programs and activities through their high school years, but after that, they often lose the opportunities to make connections and continue to build skills. Through the Friendship Foundation, and now through the Friendship Campus that is due to be completed in 2025, these awesome people of all ages are given the resources to build friendships and community and to learn life skills that allow them to gain greater independence. This foundation allows them to lead brighter more fulfilling lives through adulthood.

Thank you to our sponsors, including title sponsors Skechers and The Los Angeles Dodgers, our vendors, and all who participated. Special thanks to Chris’ teammates and manager for coming out and taking the plunge for an amazing cause.

See you all next year!

- Chris + Mary