Photo Gallery: The “Shoebert Goes Home” Polar Plunge for Lifebridge & Family Promise
03-04-2026On Sunday, March 1st, 150 people braved the snow and freezing temperatures to jump into the ocean together. The Shoebert Goes Home Polar Plunge is an annual fundraiser for Lifebridge North Shore and Family Promise, two non-profits that support people experiencing homelessness and financial insecurity. The titular Shoebert, a seal who lost his way in 2022 before returning to the ocean, inspires fundraisers and plungers who want to support their neighbors on similar journeys home.
Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of peer-to-peer fundraisers, the event raised over $18,000 for Lifebridge and Family Promise, nearly doubling our original goal. These funds will go directly toward providing resources, shelter, and holistic support to people experiencing homelessness. Prizes were awarded to the top individual and team fundraisers, Matthew McAskill who raised $1,227 and The Spina’s who raised $2,835. Local Beverly businesses Judi Jorge Art and North Shore Locals Ornaments Co. donated these Shoebert-themed prizes, and all participants received Shoebert cookies from Delphine’s Kitchen.
This day would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of the City of Beverly Department of Public Works, Mayor Mike Cahill, and our friends at the Castle Restaurant and Bar, who cleared the parking lot and a path through a mountain of snow and ice for folks to walk to the beach. We are so thankful for their support and hard work to make this event happen.
Participants and spectators arrived at 11 to enjoy treats from sponsors like hot drinks from Beantrust, food from Ruta Jalisco, and a sauna from Let’s Sauna. Guests danced and took photos with the Shoebert mascot sporting a Lifebridge tee.
As noon approached, Lifebridge Director Lindsay Barth and Board Member Jay Colburn said a few welcoming words to celebrate the amazing accomplishments of all who attended. Then, with trumpets blaring, Shoebert led everyone in a parade down the snowy path to the shore. Plungers from all over the North Shore counted down together before running gleefully into the water. The shrieks of laughter were no doubt heard for miles around.
While the serious work of supporting our vulnerable neighbors is essential to building a strong community, so are these moments of shared joy and silliness. Thank you to everyone who plunged, donated, or attended to ensure everyone can have a safe journey home.
About Shoebert
Shoebert’s odyssey from Shoe Pond to the Atlantic Ocean shows what’s possible when our community rallies together for those on their journey home. In 2022, Shoebert temporarily sought shelter in the city of Beverly. His short stay in Shoe Pond at the Cummings Center delighted and inspired everyone who heard the story. The community came together like never before to ensure Shoebert remained healthy and safe, and cheered on his journey back home to the sea with enthusiasm and compassion.
Today, the Beverly community continues to honor Shoebert’s successful return home. In Beverly, MA, you can find Shoebert memorabilia, a “Seal Crossing” sign at the Cummings Center, and now an annual polar plunge.
Gallery
Photography donated in-kind by John Andrews from the Creative Collective.
Click the thumbnail to view the full photo.
Pre-plunge festivities
Parade to the Shore
The Plunge!
The Shoebert Goes Home Polar Plunge will return next year.
Until then, here are some ways to support vulnerable people on the North Shore:
- Advocate: through your local governments, towns, networks and social circles. Your elected leaders, friends and neighbors need to know issues surrounding homelessness are important to you.
- Donate: monetary gifts are certainly essential for our work to continue, but gifts of goods and services are also impactful.
- Connect: say hello and acknowledge people. Human connection, if only in a passing moment, can have a big impact.
- Volunteer/Visit: if you want to explore more ways to connect with Lifebridge on a deeper level through volunteering – we welcome individuals and groups – and have a variety of opportunities at our shelters and stores, in our kitchen, and in our governance and committee work. We’re also happy to have you visit one of our shelters to get a better understanding of our day-to-day work.
Get Involved
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
Presenting Sponsor
Harbor Hero
Big Splash Supporter
Toe Dipper
In-Kind Sponsors
North Shore Locals Ornaments Co.
Watch BevCam’s Coverage of the Event