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Photo: Left to right: Long Beach Polar Bears Patti and Mike Bradley, Kevin McCarthy, Barbara and Pete Meyers and Dennis Covelli, COO , Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York in front of the $1 million Donor Wall

Lake Success, November 18, 2008 - On Friday, November 14, 2008 staff of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York was joined by the founding members of the Long Beach Polar Bears in unveiling the chapter’s brand-new $1 million donor wall, which is dedicated to the loving memory of young Paulie Bradley. Paulie’s passing, at the age of four in 1997 before his wish could be granted, inspired the legendary Long Beach Polar Bears Super Bowl Splash, which has raised more than $1 million since inception in 2001.

“This is a very special day for us at the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York, said Dennis Covelli, COO, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York. “To unveil a $1 million Donor Wall in our 25th Anniversary Year fills us with pride and deep gratitude to our major donors. It was only fitting to dedicate it to the loving memory of one very special kid, Paulie.”

In addition to the Long Beach Polar Bears, the Donor Wall also honors and acknowledges Stewart Rahr & Kinray Inc. and corporate partners, Macy’s as $1 million donors.

The annual Long Beach Polar Bear Super Bowl Splash has developed into a huge, community-supported effort that draws thousands of people to jump into the ocean for a good cause. Through their passion and bravery, the Long Beach Polar Bears have raised an amazing amount of money for local kids. Last year, the event surpassed the milestone mark of $1 million raised since its start in 2001.

“The wall is a permanent reminder of our Love of Paulie,” said Patti Bradley, Paulie’s mom. “I have always known that when we were looking for an outlet for our loss and needing a memorial for our son, the gift given was the swim given to us from Kevin and Pete.  Then our gift back was to all the children needing wishes and the side gifts are all the wonderful people in so many ways who touch our lives to help us accomplish what we do,” she added. “I believe this phenomenon (the swim) is the preverbal GIFT THAT KEEPS GIVING.”

Brief History of the Long Beach Polar Bears Super Bowl Splash:

Originally an innocent dip into the Atlantic Ocean prior to the big game by buddies Kevin McCarthy and Pete Meyers in 1998, word spread fast around town, and the following year the two were joined by brothers Mike and the late P.J. Bradley.

Meanwhile, Mike and his wife, Patti had been searching for a fitting memorial for their beloved son Paulie, who was only four years old when he passed away in 1997.  It was P.J. who asked “What if the annual swim became a fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York – in loving memory and honor of Paulie who passed away before his wish could get granted?”

So, ever since 2001, the members of the newly-formed Long Beach Polar Bears have jumped into the icy ocean with warm hearts, startled shouts and determination – all in the spirit of helping kids with life-threatening medical conditions.