Hundreds of people ran into the ocean to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation for the Long Island Polar Bear Splash.

Sunday afternoon was cold and windy, but it didn’t stop people from heading into the water.

“It’s important to do things your mind doesn’t want to do,” said one plunger. “It’s important to challenge yourself. I hated every second and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

It’s the 26th year Long Beach has hosted this event, and it’s all to raise money for the Make-A-Wish foundation.

“It warms my heart because this is all for the good of children who are battling critical illnesses every day,” said John Healey, president of Make-A-Wish New York. “So it’s all people coming out here to take care of them which is well-deserved.”

Healey says over the past 26 years, the event has raised $11 million for the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s New York chapter.

The polar plunge brings together volunteers, donors, and community members who want to help grant wishes for children and families who need hope most.