David Coppola, Verona High School Class of 1976, has a long-standing tradition of participating in the Polar Bear Plunge at the Jersey shore every February that is one of the major fundraisers for Special Olympics New Jersey. The 2021 plunge is virtual this year because of COVID-19, but Coppola still hopes his home town will support it.
Coppola is looking to raise $13,000 this year and, as of this morning, he is almost there with a total of $12,813 pledged. He is part of the larger Knights of Columbus Polar Penguins team, which is looking to raise a total of $75,000. The virtual plunge is open for fundraising until April 22.
Special Olympics New Jersey provides training and athletic competition in sports from alpine skiing to volleyball for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
You can support Coppola through his fundraising page here.