The New Year’s Day tradition returns to Peekskill on January 1, 2027, as the foundation celebrates 15 years of community support and announces its 2027 scholarship opportunities.
The This Is Me Foundation is excited to announce that registration is officially open for its 14th Annual Polar Plunge, taking place on Friday, January 1 at 12:00 PM at the Peekskill Riverfront Green.
First held in 2013, the Polar Plunge has brought the community together for 15 years to brave the chilly waters of the Hudson River. 2027 will mark the 14th and final Polar Plunge hosted by the This Is Me Foundation, bringing this New Year’s Day tradition to a close.
What began as a New Year’s Day fundraiser has grown into a beloved community tradition, bringing together participants, families, friends, volunteers, local businesses, and spectators in support of a meaningful cause.
All proceeds benefit the This Is Me Scholarship Fund, Inspired by Ryan Risco & Cait Chivonne Polhill.
“Over the past 15 years, this event has become so much more than jumping into the Hudson River. It’s about the people who show up year after year, the community members and businesses that rally behind us, and the students we’ve been able to support because of that generosity,” said Lauren Brady, co-founder of the This Is Me Foundation. “While this will be our final Polar Plunge, our foundation and its mission are not going anywhere. We’re excited to continue awarding scholarships, raising awareness about alopecia, and finding new ways to bring people together.”
The foundation hopes to welcome back longtime plungers, supporters, and new participants alike for one final New Year’s Day celebration. Whether you’ve taken the plunge many times, joined just once, or cheered from the sidelines, this is an opportunity to come together, celebrate 15 years of memories, and help make the final event one to remember.
Registration Now Open
Individuals and teams are encouraged to register early and help make the final Polar Plunge one to remember.
• Date: Friday, January 1, 2027
• Time: 12:00 PM SHARP
• Location: Peekskill Riverfront Green, Peekskill
• Registration Deadline: End of Day December 30, 2026
For safety reasons, all participants must register in advance. No late or walk-up registrations will be accepted.
Registration and donations are available at www.thisismefoundation.com.
The event is free and open to spectators, and the community is encouraged to come cheer on participants as they take one final plunge into the Hudson River.
2027 Scholarship Applications Now Available
As the foundation prepares for its final Polar Plunge, it is also accepting applications for its 2027 This Is Me Scholarships.
Since awarding its first scholarships in 2012, the foundation has provided 198 scholarships of $500 each to graduating high school seniors locally and across the country.
For 2027, the foundation offers two scholarship opportunities:
National Alopecia Scholarship: Awarding up to 10 scholarships of $500 each to graduating high school seniors nationwide who have alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss.
Adversity Scholarship, Inspired by Ryan Risco & Cait Chivonne Polhill: Providing $500 scholarships to graduating seniors from Croton-Harmon, Hendrick Hudson, Lakeland, Peekskill, and Walter Panas high schools who have faced adversity and/or supported others through challenges.
Students can download scholarship applications at www.thisismefoundation.com or request them by emailing info@thisismefoundation.com.
Thank You to Our 2027 Polar Plunge Sponsors
The This Is Me Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to the businesses and organizations helping make this final event possible.
• Presenting Sponsor: Sun Pharmaceuticals
• Gold Sponsors: Police Tutorial Service and The Thomas R. Bertoline Youth Athletic Foundation
• Silver Sponsors: Fuhgeddaboudit Deli, Bagel & Grill; The Shop; and Star Sign & Graphics
• Community Supporters: Kyle’s Pub and Dylan’s Wine Cellar
For registration, scholarship applications, donations, and additional information, visit www.thisismefoundation.com.
