Brave the Cold, Make a Big Impact – 2026 Polar Plunge Returns to Support Meals for Local Youth
- February 19, 2026
- Latest News · News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Waterville, ME – February 19 – The 2026 Polar Plunge is making a splash for a powerful cause: providing nutritious meals to youth in local programs. This high-energy winter fundraising event invites individuals, teams, families, and businesses to take the icy plunge and help combat youth hunger and food insecurity in the community.
Proceeds from the Polar Plunge fundraising event will directly support meal programs for youth, ensuring that children and teens enrolled in youth programs at the Alfond Youth & Community Center (AYCC) have consistent access to healthy meals and snacks. Funds raised will help offset rising food costs and sustain critical youth nutrition initiatives that support learning, growth, and overall well-being.
“Food insecurity impacts a child’s ability to learn, grow, and thrive,” said Katherine Harvey, AYCC’s Senior Director of Philanthropy. “By taking part in the Polar Plunge, you’re joining a fun and meaningful community effort to ensure the youth we serve have reliable access to nutritious meals. Over the past year, the AYCC has provided more than 65,000 meals and snacks to children across our sites. While grant funding covers approximately 50% of our food costs, the remaining support comes from community members like you.”
The 2026 Polar Plunge encourages participants to register online, create individual or team fundraising pages, and collect donations in the lead-up to the event. Supporters can plunge, donate, or cheer on participants, all while contributing to a mission that directly benefits local youth.
Event Details:
- When: Saturday, March 21 @ 11:00 am
- Where: Oakland Boat Launch, Old Belgrade Avenue, Oakland, Maine
- Who: Individuals, teams, families, businesses, and community groups
- Register: https://secure.frontstream.com/polar-plunge-2026
Why It Matters:
The Polar Plunge is more than a cold-water challenge; it’s a community-driven fundraiser to fight youth hunger. Many children rely on schools and youth programs for daily meals and snacks. This event helps ensure those programs can continue to provide healthy, reliable nutrition in a welcoming, and supportive environment. Participants are encouraged to fundraise, share their plunge on social media, and help raise awareness about food insecurity among youth.
About the AYCC
The Alfond Youth & Community Center (AYCC) is a mission-driven nonprofit organization serving the Waterville area with programs and services that support youth development, health and wellness, and community connection. AYCC provides a welcoming, inclusive environment where individuals and families can thrive.
Learn More
Media Contact
Katherine Harvey, Senior Director of Philanthropy
Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCA of Greater Waterville at the
Alfond Youth & Community Center
207-872-8842 | kharvey@clubaycc.org | www.clubaycc.org
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