LONG BRANCH – At least 1000 people plunged into the frigid ocean water on Sunday to raise money for Catholic education.

The 8th annual event, hosted by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, raised at least $100,000 this year. Organizer Jim Shaw said he expects the totals to reach about the same as last year, which was $135,000.

One change this year was that it was held in Pier Village in Long Branch for the first time because Sea Bright was unable to host the event, Shaw said.

“This event makes an opportunity for Catholic schools to raise money for tuition assistance, for projects going on at schools – 100 percent of money raised at this event goes back to the schools,” Shaw said.

To prevent funds coming out of the money raised to pay for the event, Shaw said the AOH fundraises separately to cover the costs.

“Whatever the schools raise they keep,” Shaw said.

Shaw estimated that at least 1000 people participated this year and said it looked like there were more plungers than last year. Schools from across the state, including as far away as Trenton and Jersey City, participated in the event.

“We’re just ecstatic to be here with all these great people,” Shaw said. “We want to do something crazy to show that we’re there in the fight.”

For safety, Shaw said they have police officers, firefighters, first aid members, a water rescue team, lifeguards, police explorers and other security on hand.

“No one has stubbed a toe at this event,” Shaw said.

Peter Santanello, 18, plunged with a group of students from Christian Brothers Academy in Middletown. He said he went completely underwater and it was his first time plunging.

Santanello’s classmate, Tim Ahern, 18, plunged all four years he’s been in high school and said he would recommend others do it.

“The turnout is probably a lot bigger,” Ahern said. “This year, [The water temperature] wasn’t the coldest, but it wasn’t the warmest.”

Erin Batz, 17, attends Mater Dei High School in Middletown, said she plunged with about 25 others from her school, including the principal and assistant principal.

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“Compared to last year it was freezing,” Batz said. “I couldn’t feel anything.”

The event wasn’t limited to students. John Woolf, of Jackson, said he plunged with his family for fun and to support St. Aloysius School in Jackson.

“We did it for fun, we did for our school, we did it for charity, it’s a good family activity,” Woolf said.

Woolf said his 9-year-old son went into the ocean three times.

“Today was cold,” Woolf said. “Last year was a little bit better, today was a little cold. But this is a great venue for it and it’s always just an exciting thing to do.”