This past Saturday, our Co-Founder and Chief Happiness Officer, John Cronin, did something he's done eleven times before, but it never gets any easier. He plunged into the freezing waters of Long Island Sound at Cedar Beach in Brookhaven, all in support of Special Olympics New York. 

This year’s Polar Plunge wasn’tjust about the cold. It was about community, courage, and giving back to a cause that’s deeply personal. John was joined by his brother Jamie, our “Lord of the Socks” who runs the warehouse at John’s Crazy Socks. Together, they braved the icy waves, cheered on by hundreds of supporters. 

John stepped up to the mic before the plunge to thank everyone. “I am a Special Olympic   athlete, and I love the Special Olympics,” he told the crowd. “Thank you for supporting all the athletes.” 

Wearing his iconic New York Jets bathrobe and radiating pure joy, John looked like a prizefighter headed into the ring. Then he and Jamie charged into the water, full of smiles. “It’s cold, the water is freezing, but we do it for a good cause,” said Jamie afterward, still shivering but beaming. 

Why John Plunges 

John has been a Special Olympics athlete for over 20 years. He’s played basketball, soccer, bocce, snowshoe, and track and field. It’s through the Special Olympics that he’s built confidence, made lifelong friends, and found a stage to shine. 

He often says, “Without the Special Olympics, there would be no John’s Crazy Socks.” That’s why this event means so much to him. It’s why our company gives 5% of our earnings to  Special Olympics New York and has donated over $150,000 to the organization. 

“I do the Polar Plunge because it’s personal,” John said. “The Special Olympics has done so much for me. Now I get to give back.” 

Community in Action 

Whether you plunged, donated, or simply cheered from the shore, you were part of something powerful. You supported year-round training and competition for over 42,000 athletes across New York at no cost to them or their families. 

This event may last only a few hours, but its impact will ripple through the lives of athletes for months and years to come. 

Still Time to Support 

Donate to the John’s Crazy Socks team 
Shop our  Polar Plunge Socks — 10% goes to Special Olympics 
Share the love on social media 

Thank you for helping us Spread Happiness, one splash, one sock, one act of kindness at a time.