5th Annual Patriot Polar Plunge raises over $50k for LIFT Program for Veterans
February 17, 2026, Freehold: The annual Patriot Polar Plunge returned to Sea Girt on Saturday, February 7, 2026, bringing together community members, veterans, families, and supporters for a morning of giving back, remembrance, and resilience.
This year marked the 5th Annual Patriot Polar Plunge, presented by Sea Girt Recreation, and benefiting Monmouth Habitat’s LIFT Fund for Veterans, which provides free home repairs to eligible veteran homeowners in Monmouth County. Despite brutally cold conditions ( -12 degrees with wind chills creating a “real feel” of -15!) the event was successful, raising over $50,000 for veteran home repairs in Monmouth County.
Due to the extreme cold, plungers were unfortunately not permitted to enter the ocean, but the rest of the event proceeded as planned.
Mike D’Altrui, Event Organizer and founder of the Patriot Polar Plunge, led the Opening Ceremony. Mike is Chairman of the Sea Girt Recreation Commission and Ambassador to Monmouth Habitat’s LIFT Veteran Build Home Repairs Program. Mike’s vision and dedication have driven the event’s success over the past five years – to date, the Plunge has raised over $200,000 for Monmouth Habitat’s LIFT Fund!
The opening ceremony featured remarks from Meredith Darche, Executive Director of Monmouth Habitat; Sea Girt Mayor Don Fetzer; Navy veteran & LIFT program recipient, Bill Brown; as well as the 2026 Patriot Polar Plunge Veteran of the Year, Jim Skidmore Jr. Jim Skidmore is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served 10 years and retired as a Captain in the Marine Corps Reserve. He has dedicated his life to exceptional service, leadership, and volunteerism, and his commitment to giving back exemplifies the spirit of the Patriot Polar Plunge.
Chaplain Daniel Velez Acevedo offered the blessing.
We were also fortunate to have Sea Girt Special Officer Julia Santiago share her incredible voice with us as she sang the National Anthem. You may have seen Officer Santiago on American Idol this week as she earned a Golden Ticket to Hollywood Week.
The Patriot Polar Plunge honors the memory of New Jersey State Police Sgt. and National Guardsman Juan Fajardo, whose legacy of service continues to inspire the event each year. His family’s continued presence added deep meaning to the day.
In place of the plunge, participants joined together in a “Patriot Polar Dash” along Sea Girt beach to an abandoned sailboat.
Following the Polar Dash, participants warmed up at an after-party and breakfast buffet at Rod’s Tavern in Sea Girt, which was especially welcome after the frigid morning. Rod’s has generously sponsored this event since its inception in 2021.
Additional highlights included a 50/50 raffle, with Chaz Kauffman donating a significant portion of his winnings back to support the LIFT Veteran Home Repairs Fund. Thank you, Chaz!
Monmouth County Habitat for Humanity extends sincere thanks to Event Organizer & LIFT Fund Ambassador, Mike D’Altrui, the patriot plunge committee, sponsors, volunteers, donors, and plungers. Special thanks to the Borough of Sea Girt, Sea Girt Lifeguards, Fire Company, Police Department, Public Works Department, Manasquan First Aid, Sheriff’s EMS, and Rod’s Tavern for their continued support.
While we were not able to plunge into the ocean this year, the 2026 Patriot Polar Plunge demonstrated the strength of community and commitment to honoring and supporting local veterans.
Thank you, and see you next year, Sea Girt!
Thanks to George Ertle for sharing his photography skills with us again this year! You can view the full photo album here:
https://www.georgeertle.com/2026-SG-PATRIOT-PLUNGE-2726-
Help Spread the Word about LIFT Veteran Home Repairs
If you know a Veteran – or a Veteran family – who could benefit from our LIFT Home Repairs Program, please share our program information with them:
🔗 LIFT Program Info
Have questions? Reach out to Marianne Herring:
📧 mherring@monmouthhabitat.org
📞 (732) 728-0441 ext. 311
