Warm sunshine - but chilly waters - greeted participants on Sunday morning in Manhattan Beach for the third annual "Polar Plunge" fundraiser, led by two-time World Series champion Chris Taylor and his wife Mary Taylor and their CT3 Foundation.  

The event drew more than 200 swimmers, including multiple Dodger players, into the 63-degree water. It raised money for the Friendship Foundation and the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. 

“Our experience with the CT3 Foundation has introduced Mary and myself to so many remarkable and strong kids that are facing challenges most of us have never even considered a possibility," said Taylor. "We have created friendships with many of these kids that will last a lifetime. Unfortunately, many friendships were cut short way too early. The special moments we’ve shared with these kids and seeing smiles on their faces has only strengthened our passion to help more kids in need."

"A Unique Platform" to Make An Impact

Taylor said that collectively, he and his former Dodger teammates had the ability to draw significant attention to the foundations that would benefit from the event. 

"We are given a unique platform where we have such an impact on so many people," he said. "I kind of feel like it's my responsibility to try to make an impact on the community in some way."

Taylor continued: "My teammates have always shown up for me - it means a lot - and we could not do this without them. Obviously the Dodgers are a huge deal here in Manhattan Beach, and having so many current and former Dodgers come out, amongst other athletes, really means a lot."

Did he have to do extra convincing to get anyone to jump in the 63-degree water? "I tell them it's not that bad; we're in California," said Taylor, who is originally from Virginia. "It's supposed to get up to 80 degrees today so it should be more refreshing than anything. And at the end of the day, it's all for a good cause. I actually love going in the water - I love surfing - so I know for me, when I go surfing in the morning ,I feel refreshed and energized for the rest of the day."

Yossi Mintz, the executive director and president of the Friendship Foundation, said that the presence of the athletes made a big impact.

 "What I love about it is, when you have a level of involvement of sports celebrities - with household names - it really inspires the younger generation to look beyond themselves, and see how they can make a difference in the lives of someone else," said Mintz. "[These athletes] are coming out here on a Sunday. These players don't need this and there's nothing in it for them; just the fact that they can do this for someone else to make this world a better place."

Taylor concluded, "The biggest takeaway is to get the message across about the foundations. I know a lot of people are here because they want to see some baseball players and are here to have fun, but I hope we can get across to them that the main reason we're all here is for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation and the Friendship Foundation and to raise awareness for their work." 

Following the "plunge," the event featured a variety of family-friendly games, giveaways, snacks, hot cocoa, and live entertainment. Each participant received a commemorative event towel and finisher’s medal. 

Supporting the event were presenting sponsors Skechers and Schwartz Capital Group. 

[See a short reel about the event at the Manhattan Beach News Instagram feed.]