KENNEBUNK — They came, they got wet, and then poof, they were all gone.

The 17th annual Atlantic Plunge drew a crowd at Gooch’s Beach Saturday morning daring enough to take a plunge in the water to raise money for Caring Unlimited, a nonprofit agency that provides support services to those affected by domestic violence.

The annual event is typically held on Jan. 1, but was rescheduled for Jan. 13 due to cold weather conditions. 

Though a predicted ice storm caused a warm-up bus and volunteers with hot chocolate to cancel, organizers estimate about 40 people made it to the mad dash to the beach Saturday.

Those who did show up, were welcomed with warm temperatures near 50 degrees.

“It turned out to be a beautiful day,” said Sherry Edwards, Caring Unlimited community response coordinator.

Still, it was a cold day to take a dip in the ocean, and those who ran into the water, ran out quickly, typically to a friend or family member holding a dry towel. Shortly after, the beach was empty and participants were on their way home, where it was warm and dry. 

Making the plunge for the first time was Desiree Kennedy of Kennebunkport. 

“I just turned 50 in December,” she said. “I’m checking it off the bucket list.”

There were also returning plungers, like Becky Wirtes who founded the event. 

“It’s starting your year with a random act of kindness,” said Wirtes. “It hurts for a minute but it hurts a lot more to get beat up” as a victim of domestic violence.

Merrilee Paul, of Kennebunk, participated in the plunge with her 9-year-old son, Owen, for the second year in the row, and was acknowledged at the event as having raised the most money for the event. 

Paul estimated she had raised about $1,200 and said the event has become a tradition for her and her son. “My toes, I can’t feel them, but otherwise I’m good,” she said.

Organizers say the event has raised about $250,000 since its inception.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].