Three years ago, Ginger Connell, Nursing Supervisor of YAI’s Queens residential programs, took her first icy ocean dip as a member of the Coney Island Polar Bear Club. Ginger felt instantly exhilarated – she was hooked.

“I’ve always loved the water,” said Ginger, who now participates in the club’s weekly swims. “I would put my feet in year-round and I worked my way up to doing this,” she said, adding that taking the plunge with others builds confidence and camaraderie.

Ginger's devotion to her work at YAI si just as strong as her courage in braving the Atlantic chill. In light of deep cuts to government funding for services for people with disabilities, Ginger knew that an extreme response was needed.

So, when it was time to plan a creative and fun fundraiser for the 2011 YAI and Broadview Networks Central Park Challenge, Ginger knew exactly who to approach. Her fellow Polar Bears were happy to help.

“We try to be part of the community and to help with fundraisers throughout the year,” said Dennis Thomas, President of the Coney Island Polar Bear Club USA, Inc. “We’re really happy to share the beach and cold water with Ginger and the crew from YAI.”

On March 27, 30 YAI staff from Queens, Westchester, Brooklyn and Manhattan residential programs came together as the YAI Network Bear Bait Team and joined the Polar Bears for a “Spring Splash” in support of people with developmental disabilities.

“This day is about raising awareness and funds,” said Mary Ellen Beatty, Regional Administrator of YAI’s Queens residential programs and Bear Bait Team Captain. “It’s about community inclusion and our residents coming down to support us.”

“I'm out here to support my staff,” said Michelle, who resides in a YAI supportive apartment in Jackson Heights. “They are brave to do this and it’s exciting to see!”

“I’m doing this for the people I work with,” said Dorothy Leo, Sr. Nursing Supervisor of YAI’s Long Island & Manhattan residential programs. “They do a lot of things that most people complain about and they do them with grace. It’s good to remind people of that.”

“With all of the government budget cuts, raising funds and awareness is even more important now,” said Vanessa White-Germany, Sr. Supervisor, Manhattan Respite and of Jackson Heights supportive apartments. “Jumping into the water is a good way to get people’s attention!”

With a clear blue sky and bright sunlight bouncing off of the sand, it was a perfect beach day – except for the 40-degree air and water temperature! But that didn’t stop our swimmers from braving the chill as more than 50 of their colleagues and YAI residents cheered them on.

 “I’m excited to show my support and enthusiasm for our programs,” said Sherry Chen, Part Time Direct Service Professional at YAI’s Jackson Heights supportive apartments.

“What we do is so important, but so unknown to most of society,” said Kerry Brush, Assistant Supervisor at YAI’s Belvidere IRA. “It’s crucial to bring awareness to what we do.”

“The main thing is to be out here to be seen so that people know who we are and what we’re all about,” said Vikram Singh, Sr. Supervisor of YAI’s Alan Butgar IRA.  

“It is a thrill for a great cause,” said Tracy Behling, Westchester Regional Administrator in YAI’s Residential Department, and Regional Central Park Challenge Captain.

For many staff, the Spring Splash was an unforgettable and fun way to make a powerful statement in support of people with disabilities. So far, Team Bear Bait has raised over $5,000 for this year’s Central Park Challenge.

“Apart from the first 20 seconds in the water,” laughed said Leanne Gordon, Supervisor of YAI’s 22^nd Street residence in Brooklyn, “What is most memorable to me was hearing all the staff and consumers of YAI clapping and cheering us on. It definitely took the chill off.”

“For me, it’s all about bringing people together to do something fun to benefit others,” said Ginger. “I presented it as a challenge and people came forward. We would like to make this an annual event – I invite everyone to join us next year!”