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Community Corner

TI Polar Bear Plunge 2011 - Freezin' for a Reason!

In the last three years the TI Polar Bears have raised over $65,000 for the IHA Interfaith Housing of Westport, The National Marfan Foundation and Autism Speaks. This year they have raised $120,000 so far for Pancreatic Cancer research.

Now its the fourth year, "Freezing for a Reason" has grown to include friends and family from Westport, Weston, Wilton and beyond. The TI Polar Bear Plunge gang invites you to join them for a great way to celebrate life and a New Year — bone chilling fun for the entire family!

Participants are encouraged to get as many pledges as possible. This year's Polar Plunge will raise money for pancreatic cancer via the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network actively supports research, patient support, volunteerism and advocacy. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. This year 43,140 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the United States and 36,800 will die from the disease.

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You can make a difference by joining the team and becoming a TI Polar Bear. If you're not fond of the cold water, organizers ask that you consider making a donation and join the spectators and watch the fun on New Year's Day, Friday, Jan. 1, at 10:45 a.m. at Compo Beach (main pavilion).

To register or donate, go to www.firstgiving.com/tipolarbearsgeneraldonations.

Find out what's happening in Weston-Redding-Eastonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"It's almost time and we hope everyone is as excited to be taking the plunge. For all of you first timers the weather report for Jan. 1 is sunny and 40 degrees. :)"

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