CHANGING FUTURES, INC. raised over $9,000 during its first annual “Freeze for a Future Polar Plunge” fundraiser at Devereux Beach in Marblehead on New Year’s Day. The fundraiser’s proceeds will be used to support cystic fibrosis research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. (Courtesy Photo)

 

 

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — Over 50 residents and health care professionals celebrated New Year’s Day by taking a dip in the freezing Atlantic Ocean in order to raise funds for cystic fibrosis (CF) research.

Thomas Road resident Joel Steiner and Magnolia Drive resident Mike Weiss launched the nonprofit organization Changing Futures, Inc. last year in order to raise funds to support CF patients. The nonprofit organization has been supporting renowned researcher Dr. Steven Freedman’s work with CF-related gastrointestinal research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

After holding a bike ride fundraiser in Portsmouth, New Hampshire last July and a “Back to the Future for CF” fundraiser at Urban Wild in Charlestown last September, Changing Futures held its first annual “Freeze for a Future Polar Plunge” fundraiser at Devereux Beach in Marblehead on New Year’s Day.

“It was an incredible success — far beyond our expectations,” said Weiss. “We had around 50-plus people take the plunge, including Dr. Freedman from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, who jumped in alongside families, friends and supporters of Changing Futures.”

Steiner said Changing Futures raised over $9,000 during the polar plunge fundraiser.

“It is a fantastic outcome for a first-time event,” said Steiner. “All the money goes straight to Dr. Freedman’s research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, focusing on the understudied gastrointestinal challenges faced by CF patients as they live longer.”

Weiss was honored that the first annual polar plunge fundraiser drew such a large and supportive crowd.

“We had Changing Futures donors, family, friends and a few ‘professional’ polar plungers who were excited to share their experience with us,” said Weiss.

Steiner agreed.

“The energy on the beach was inspiring,” said Steiner. “People were excited not only to ring in the new year, but to do so while directly supporting critical cystic fibrosis research.”

Weiss said the “Freeze for a Future Polar Plunge” came about after Changing Futures, Inc.’s Board of Directors decided they wanted to hold “a unique, spirited event to kick off the new year and draw attention to cystic fibrosis research.”

“A polar plunge is a fun, memorable way to raise both awareness and funds,” said Weiss. “People see it and immediately understand it’s something special. We’ve had success with biking events and themed parties, so we thought why not start 2025 with a fresh start?”

Steiner said the Atlantic Ocean wasn’t as cold as he expected it would be on New Year’s Day.

“The water temperature was in the mid-40s, so it definitely woke us up,” said Steiner. “It wasn’t quite freezing weather outside, which helped a bit, but once we dove in, we felt that icy jolt.”

Weiss concurred with Steiner’s viewpoint.

“It was a surprisingly mild day, which helped, but the water temperature was still in the mid-40s — definitely an eye-opener,” said Weiss.

Weiss said the “Freeze for a Future Polar Plunge” fundraiser was a great experience.

“We came away feeling energized and more convinced than ever that grassroots efforts can have a real impact, especially for something as specialized as CF research,” said Weiss. “People are genuinely excited to support causes when they can see exactly where the money goes and meet the individuals — like Dr. Freedman — who are making a difference on the front lines.”

Steiner said “the sense of camaraderie” was “hands down” the best part of undertaking the polar plunge.

“Watching people of all ages run into the chilly water together, and knowing they were doing it for a common cause created a great sense of unity,” said Steiner. “It also showed how fun and creative fundraising can be when a community puts its collective heart into it.”

Weiss said the community’s response to Changing Futures’ “Freeze for a Future Polar Plunge” fundraiser blew the board of directors away.

“The community really rallied around us,” said Weiss. “Friends, family and total strangers showed up to support Changing Futures — some to cheer, some to take the plunge and some to donate from afar. It was also exciting to see the medical community turn out in force, with Dr. Freedman and several other health care professionals getting involved directly or contributing financially. It felt like a real celebration of solidarity with the CF community.”

Steiner said a number of Lynnfield children participated in the fundraiser, including his kids Madison and Shane and Weiss’ daughters Avery and Brooklyn. He also said Liv Adams, Camryn Chiulli, Gabe Williams, Marco Regitano,

Sophia Tramontozzi, Louis Tramontozzi, Christian Pace and Connor Preston participated in the fundraiser.

“They brought so much enthusiasm and positivity to the event,” said Steiner.

Weiss noted that Madison raised $1,350 for the fundraiser and Gabe raised $425.

“It was inspiring to see the next generation step up like this,” said Weiss. “They weren’t just tagging along. They were actively contributing to the fundraising total and wanted to be part of this movement for change.”

Avery Weiss said the polar plunge fundraiser was a lot fun.

“I was freezing, but it was worth it if it helps someone with CF,” said Avery.

Steiner said Changing Futures is in the process of planning its annual bike ride that will tentatively take place in the late spring. Changing Futures, Inc.’s board members previously participated in the CF Foundation’s Seacoast Safari Cycle for Life fundraiser as the Zapatos Blancos team for a decade before Changing Futures was launched. In addition to Steiner and Weiss, the nonprofit organization’s board of directors includes Lynnfield residents Don Gentile, Chris Kelley, Lou Tramontozzi and Bobby Williams along with Connecticut resident Joe Montesano.

“We’re in the process of planning our annual bike ride for late spring, which is how our fundraising first began,” said Steiner. “We also have a few themed events in the works for the summer. We’ll post details on our website, changingfuturesnow.org, as soon as they’re finalized.”

Weiss added that Changing Futures’ believes in “the power of micro-fundraising, where many small, family-friendly donations can add up to truly transformative support for important research.”

“We’ve already donated $65,000 this past year alone using this model, and we’ve seen corporate and philanthropic donors match our efforts in ways that exceed our wildest expectations,” said Weiss. “It’s been an inspiring journey so far, and we’re excited to see what comes next.”

For more information about Changing Futures and/or to make a donation to the nonprofit organization, residents can visit changingfuturesnow.org.