While it’s become a familiar trope to splash cold water on one’s face to increase alertness, it’s undeniable that frigid temperatures do engender an elevated feeling of aliveness and vitality, paired with an acute awareness of each sensation felt in the present moment.

Don’t get cold feet, and instead commit to “get freezin’ for a reason” by embarking upon the Patchogue Plunge, hosted by the Patchogue Young Professionals on Sunday, Feb. 12. Before beer and chips, don’t forget the dip on Super Bowl Sunday. Pregame in a unique way—to get fired up with an icy blast—to benefit a good cause. Check-in for the annual event is at 9:30 a.m., at Sandspit Marina, located at 116 Brightwood Street in Patchogue, with the “big dipper” taking place at 10 a.m. All proceeds from the $30 minimum donation, to get aboard Patchogue’s “Polar Express,” will benefit the Kiwanis Club of Patchogue. There will also be 50/50 raffles and other fun activities available that day.

This mid-winter tradition will be the third annual Patchogue Plunge at Sandspit Marina, held by the Patchogue Young Professionals. To balance out the cold, everyone who signs up to rock the shock will receive a gift certificate for a complimentary, restorative half-hour hot-stone massage, courtesy of Bayport Athletic Recovery.

The founder and chairman of the Patchogue Young Professionals is Stephen King, 29, (no, not that one!), also known by the regal real-estate moniker “King of Homes,” of Realty Connect USA, in Patchogue. King, who started the group five years ago, wants to clarify that there is no cutoff age restriction to participate in events. “I look at age as a mindset. We’ve got 8-year-olds and 80-year-olds. It’s our third year doing it. One of our board members, Benny Migs, came up with the concept three years ago. Every year we do it to benefit a local charity,” he said.

This year the group chose to help sponsor the Kiwanis Club of Patchogue, a not-for-profit organization which facilitates many charitable events throughout the community, especially those to benefit children in the area in need.

The board of the Patchogue Young Professionals consists of six members who plan innovative events to bring young (or young-at-heart) professionals together for networking and a sense of camaraderie, while concurrently supporting various philanthropic endeavors throughout the year.

If you’re on the fence about taking the leap, King assured potential registrants that there’s still time to get cool. “Anybody who’s crazy enough, signups are ASAP, but we will take registration up until the day before,” said King, who is an avid exponent of the salubrious mental and physical effects of getting into cold water.

“It’s invigorating. The moment you go in, it’s unlike any shock you’ve ever felt. Once you come out, you never feel more energized or aware. Your body feels brand new for the remainder of the day. It is really incredible. Some go right in and out, and some who are trained will stay in up to a minute,” said King, who also elaborated on the intrinsic reward for being, proverbially, baptized by ice. “The other side of it will be worth all the pain of going into the water. No pain, no gain, and all the money goes to a great cause to benefit children in the community. It’s Super Bowl Sunday, so you get to enjoy your Super Bowl party from a heightened level,” said King, who encouraged those not up for going in to still come out as spectators to cheer on those daring to bear taking the plunge.

For more information about the Patchogue Plunge, the Patchogue Young Professionals, or to register for the event, go to patchogueyoungprofessionals.com.