Shoebert Goes Home: A Polar Plunge Fundraiser
About this Event Series
Jump in the ocean with your friends, family, and neighbors to celebrate Shoebert’s return home and support your human neighbors in need! This fundraiser benefits Lifebridge and Family Promise, as we work side by side year-round to support people and families experiencing homelessness on the North Shore.
Shoebert’s odyssey from Shoe Pond to the Atlantic Ocean shows what’s possible when our community rallies together for those on their journey home.
This is a team-based fundraising event, which means you can plunge solo or form a team and pool your fundraising efforts together.
Create a team with friends, a workplace, a family crew, or a group of neighbors to set a shared fundraising goal, and make a bigger impact together. Flying solo like Shoebert? Not to worry - individual plungers welcome!
Whether you’re plunging, cheering from the shoreline, or fundraising from dry land, this event is about community, joy, and supporting our human neighbors in need.
Shoebert is a seal who lost his way.
In 2022, Shoebert temporarily sought shelter in the city of Beverly. His short stay in Shoe Pond at the Cummings Center delighted and inspired everyone who heard the story. The community came together like never before to ensure Shoebert remained healthy and safe, and cheered on his journey back home to the sea with enthusiasm and compassion.
Today, the Beverly community continues to honor Shoebert's successful return home.
In Beverly, MA, you can find Shoebert memorabilia, a "Seal Crossing" sign at the Cummings Center, and now an annual polar plunge. His journey is also a reminder that every unhoused person deserves safety and support from their community in order to achieve stability. Let's inspire each other by gathering for an ocean dip and much, much more!
Past Events
Click on the events below to see full photo galleries and recaps.
2026 Photo Gallery: The "Shoebert Goes Home" Polar Plunge for Lifebridge & Family Promise
On Sunday, March 1st, 150 people braved the snow and freezing temperatures to jump into the ocean together. The Shoebert Goes Home Polar Plunge is an annual fundraiser for Lifebridge North Shore and Family Promise, two non-profits that support people experiencing homelessness and financial insecurity. Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of peer-to-peer fundraisers, the event raised over $18,000, nearly doubling our original goal. These funds will go directly toward providing resources, shelter, and holistic support to people experiencing homelessness. Prizes were awarded to the top individual and team fundraisers, Matthew McAskill who raised $1,227 and The Spina's who raised $2,835.
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