The Cupid Splash “Polar Plunge” Fundraiser is coming to Miami Beach on Valentine’s Day weekend!
On Sunday, February 16th, when water temperatures off Miami Beach are at their coldest, hundreds of brave souls will “get cold for a cause” at the 1st Annual Miami Beach Cupid Splash. Contestants will compete for great prizes including two round trip tickets to any destination American Airlines serves in the Continental United States for biggest fundraiser, with other great prizes for the largest team and best costume. At noon participants will simultaneously dash into the water, making a very big splash!
According to event organizer Bruce Berman, the Miami Beach Cupid Splash was inspired by an annual event on Boston Harbor, which has generated more than $1 million dollars to support free youth environmental education and beach programs on the Bay State’s public beaches.
“For years I splashed in Boston Harbor for Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, where the water temperature in February was a frigid 38 degrees,” said Berman, who served as Boston’s Bay Watcher for more than 30 years. “Now that I am older, wiser and spending the winter in South Beach, I am looking forward to continuing that tradition here in 305, where the water will be a chilly 68 degrees. Sure, we will be cold for a few minutes on the beach, but the warm feeling we will get from raising funds for a great cause will last a long time.”
Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner welcomed the Cupid
Splash to Miami Beach. "This event highlights our city's commitment to
protecting Biscayne Bay," said Mayor Meiner. "Let's make a big
splash and contribute to a safer future for our community."
100% of the pledges from the 2025 Miami Beach Cupid Splash will go to the Biscayne
Bay Recovery Fund, managed at The Miami Foundation. Berman, who pioneered
the Boston Splash, expects the event to raise $50,000 to support efforts to
clean, protect and restore Biscayne Bay and support the Zeros Drownings Miami-Dade
Initiative, as well as youth fishing, conservation and environmental education
programs in 2025.
“Florida’s Biscayne Bay is a cherished resource for locals, an undeniable draw
for tourists, and home to some of our State’s most iconic species, including
storm-reducing mangroves and coral reefs,” said Miami-Dade’s Chief Bay &
Water Resources Officer Loren Parra. “We’re inviting residents and tourists
alike to take the plunge as we raise funds to protect our County’s blue heart,
Biscayne Bay. We hope to see you all on the beach!”
This year WPLG Anchor, Reporter and Environmental Advocate Louis Aguirre will lead the charge into the sea on February 16th at Collins Park Beach at 21st Street. Aguirre will also be honored as the first Miami Beach Cupid Splash H2O Hero for his outstanding efforts to focus public attention on efforts to cleanup Biscayne Bay and protect the marine environment.
“As
a staunch defender of our planet's natural resources, including our beautiful
bodies of water, I'm glad to be a part of the Miami Beach Cupid Splash to raise
money for the Biscayne Bay Recovery Fund at The Miami Foundation,” said
Aguirre. “I hope you will support my Splash with a contribution today - and
register, start a team and join us on the Beach.”
You can make a tax-deductible contribution to support Louis Aguirre’s Splash at https://charity.pledgeit.org/miamibeachcupidsplash/@Louis
This year’s Grand Prize for largest fundraiser is two round trip tickets
to any destination American Airlines serves in the Continental United States,
with other great prizes for the largest
team and best costume.
"Biscayne
Bay is more than just a beautiful backdrop—it's the lifeblood of our community,
economy, and environment," said Irela Bagué, former Chief Bay
Officer for Miami-Dade County. "Let’s come together to show our love
for the 'Blue Heart' of Miami-Dade! Register today, rally your friends, raise
funds, and join us on the beach on February 16th for an unforgettable day of
action and celebration. Together, we can make waves of change for Biscayne
Bay—be part of the movement!"
You can make a tax-deductible contribution to support Irela Bague’s Splash at https://charity.pledgeit.org/miamibeachcupidsplash/@irelabague
It is easy to register, start a team, make a donation and raise funds to
support the Miami Beach Cupid Splash at www.cupidsplash.org
Registration is free until February 1, so don’t delay. Register today at www.cupidsplash.org and join us at Collins Park Beach on February 16th.
Learn more about the Miami Beach Cupid Splash on our blog at https://cupidsplash.blogspot.com/
Follow us on Instagram at Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cupid_splash/
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