By Mary Stadnyk | Associate Editor

Those looking for an “Elvis” sighting can head to the promenade (boardwalk) outside of Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant, Long Branch, on Jan. 8, where more than 1,000 “Elvis Presleys” will then gather on the nearby beach and in the ocean.

That’s the goal and part of the “crazy fun” the Ancient Order of Hibernians Patrick Torphy Division of Middletown has planned for the 11th annual Polar Plunge for Catholic Education, said Jim Shaw, event chairman and member of St. Mary Parish, Middletown.

An “Elvis” theme was chosen for this year’s event, and everyone – including those who are going to charge into the Atlantic Ocean with its below-freezing temperature, as well as their supporters who will remain on the beach – are invited to wear ‘Elvis’ costumes in commemoration of the late King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s birthday.

“We believe that this is a great way to create some excitement for the event,” Shaw said. “If you need a reason to be more crazy by jumping in the ocean in January, jump in dressed as Elvis for fun.”

Reflecting on the Polar Plunge’s history and mission, Shaw said the Hibernians initially created the winter fundraiser with two Middletown Catholic schools participating – St. Mary School and Mater Dei High (now Mater Dei Prep).

Since its inception in 2007, the Polar Plunge for Catholic Education has raised more than $1 million and the number of participating schools has grown now including schools in the Trenton Diocese and from around the state. The money raised helps to create opportunities for Catholic schools to provide scholarships, financial aid, make infrastructure improvements and provide support for school programs or teams. A more memorable happening occurred in 2011 occurred when Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., made the plunge himself, which that year was held in Sea Bright.

Shaw said last year’s event raised $100,000 and that there were approximately 1,000 plungers with another 1,000 on the beach. In all, 25 Catholic grammar schools and high schools from around the Diocese participated, and the beach was filled with scores of clergy, teachers, administrators and students, a good number of whom were clad in typical beach attire – bathing suits, shorts and t-shirts and barefoot, while others were a bit more warmly dressed in sweats or winter gear. School pride was evidenced as many colorful school flags and banners dotted the beach.

The Hibernians raise more than $5,000, enabling the schools to join the event for free, Shaw noted, and allowing schools to be able to directly benefit from all of the funds they raise through participation and pledges.

Shaw happily acknowledged that Catholic education was a cause very dear to his heart.

“It is one of the last places we can send our children to live our Catholic values while preparing themselves academically and for the world,” said Shaw, himself a product of Catholic education. He graduated from St. Ann School, Keansburg, and Mater Dei High School, and his two children are graduates of St. Mary School and Mater Dei Prep.

“We need Catholic schools,” he said.

The schedule for the Jan. 8 Polar Plunge includes registration from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with the plunge taking place promptly at 1 p.m. Afterward, everyone is invited to a gathering in Rooney’s where there will be food, beverages and a band featuring ‘Elvis’ music.

Rooney’s is located at 100 Ocean Ave., Long Branch.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or to learn how schools can participate, email [email protected] or AOHPLUNGE.BLOGSPOT.COM.