ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — On January 1st, 2025, the Ithaca Yacht Club will host the 10th annual Ithaca Chill Challenge, a unique “dip-or-dodge” fundraiser organized by Ithaca Community Recovery (ICR). This year’s event aims to raise $50,000 to support recovery-related programming in the Ithaca area.

Participants gather donations from friends, family, coworkers, and others, with donors choosing whether the participant will “dip” into the lake or “dodge” and cheer from the shore. At noon on New Year’s Day, the outcome for each participant is decided by the higher total of contributions. Regardless of the result, all funds go to support ICR’s vital services.

This festive event brings together people active in recovery, their supporters, and the broader community to celebrate and welcome the new year.

For 24 years, ICR has provided a home base at 518 West Seneca Street, creating a space for recovery, fellowship, and service. The funds raised through the Chill Challenge help ensure this space remains safe, affordable, and available 365 days a year.

Registration for the Ithaca Chill Challenge is now open and closes on New Year’s Eve. Learn more or donate to a participant on the Ithaca Chill Challenge website here. On New Year’s Day, join the celebration at the Ithaca Yacht Club at 1 p.m. Enjoy cake, prizes for top fundraisers and best costumes, and appearances by Mayor Cantelmo and other officials. Donations are welcome anytime.

“I am thrilled to see the level of interest in the Chill Challenge already,” said Veronica Johnson, Chair of the Chill Challenge. “Each year, more and more members of our community see the impact of ICR and want to help. Since the pandemic, substance abuse has touched a greater number of individuals. Chill Challenge is our single biggest fundraising event every year. It helps us ensure that if you are trying to recover or support a loved one who is struggling, ICR is a place where they can find a welcoming community.”

“The Ithaca Community Chill Challenge embodies the spirit of our city—coming together to support one another and make a positive impact. This event not only raises essential funds for recovery programs but also fosters a sense of unity and resilience within our community. I am proud to see Ithacans rallying together for such a meaningful cause, and I encourage everyone to participate and contribute to this important initiative. Together, we can continue to build a healthier, more inclusive Ithaca,” said Ithaca City Mayor Cantelmo.

Stacey Dimas, Press Secretary for the Chill Challenge, added, “This year, our goal is to raise $50,000 for ICR. With these funds, we will invest in capital projects for our home on West Seneca Street and continue to provide spaces for all kinds of meetings, from 12-step programs to recovery-themed yoga. The emphasis of this event is on community: community is both the star and the goal of this event.”

For more information about Ithaca Community Recovery and what they offer, visit their website here.