Swimmers Plunge into Great South Bay for a Cause

In the blazing morning sun, 50 people donned their swimwear and dove into the Great South Bay on Saturday in an effort to support the organizations in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. The participants of the Stonewall Swim launched themselves from Sayville's shore to make a 5K swim to Fire Island Pines.

"This swim represents a healthy way to raise money for the LGBT community," said Paula Ettelbrick, Executive Director of the Stonewall Community Foundation. "In a time where the finances and stability of our favorite organizations are at risk, we hope this will contribute to their well-being."

Monies raised in their second year totaled over $127,000 – a 27 percent increase from their inaugural swim. The Stonewall Foundation has been a staple in supporting LGBT organizations since 1990. By reaching out to New York groups in need via grants and charitable donations, Stonewall strives to help promote an all-inclusive society. The swim encourages athleticism and boosts self-esteem while creating stronger ties within the community.

 "This is a chance to fundraise and is accessible to all ages to get involved. We wanted to do something healthy and geared toward athletics," commented Matthew Ryan, President of the Board.

Swimming for charity is a nod to Gene Silbert and John Kiley, who formed the Gene & John Athletic Fund of Stonewall in 2002. The couple, who met in 1953, started getting active in the athletic circuit later in their lives. From running to competitive swimming, the pair, now in their 70s, continues to make a mark on the LGBT community by promoting the benefits of exercise for future generations.

 "It amazes me that they're going to swim that far," said Jon Mallow of NYC as he looked out into the water. This year Mallow is participating as a kayaker; the people in the kayaks are there for the safety of the swimmers. "Maybe next year I'll swim. Their endurance impresses me. I've swam from Cherry Grove to the Pines, but never across from Long Island to Fire Island. It's really a fun way to bridge that gap."

Mallow's words really harken to what this swim is all about – building a bridge to unite people.

Jared Meier flew in from Texas to make the swim with his brother, Aaron Meier of NYC. Helping other organizations network is what got Doug Nelson, of NYC involved in the fundraiser. Members of competitive swim teams united to swim for a common cause.

In three separate heats the participants waded into the cool water and waited for the horn to sound their triumphant voyage. "This is not a race, you are competing with yourself," Ettelbrick announced to the swimmers. "This is a swim with a very important purpose."