Courtesy photo Ray Keefe, left, is donating the proceeds from this year's Keefe Family Polar Plunge to Kevin Conley, right, and his family, who lost their home and two pets in a December fire.

SEABROOK – Ray Keefe, the Hollis man whose family organizes an annual “polar plunge” to assist those suddenly facing hardships and tragedies, is dedicating this year’s 12th annual plunge to Kevin and Amy Conley, as well as their three sons.

The Conleys have been living in a motel room and struggling financially as they recover from losing their home and many cherished possessions to a devastating fire in December.

Compounding the tragedy for the family, Keefe said, was losing their cat and puppy in the fire.

But now, as the Conleys look forward to getting back on their feet, a small army of polar plungers have signed up to travel to Seabrook on Saturday and take a frigid dip into the Atlantic Ocean.

Plenty of “non-plungers” have also contributed donations, Keefe said, and they, as well as the plungers, can continue to do so up to the event itself.

“We hope for a final push for donations so that we can present Amy and Kevin Conley and their three sons a nice big donation check,” Keefe said.

The goal, he said, is to raise money to help the Conleys cover their insurance deductibles, as well as help them acquire items that insurance won’t cover.

Judging from the registration sheets, Keefe said, “it looks like a great crowd will be on hand,” a crowd that may even set a record for number of plungers.

The plunge will take place at noon on Saturday at the intersection of Hooksett and Ocean streets in Seabrook. Overflow parking is available in the lot next to Castaways restaurant on Route 1A.

Those interested in donating should make checks out to Amy Conley and mail to Ray Keefe, 63 Nevins Road, Hollis, 03049.

Those who wish to donate and receive confirmation for tax deductible purposes should make the checks out to Church of the Good Shepherd, and mail to the same address.

Online donations can be made through PayPal at info@prepressplus.com, with a note indicating “2020 Polar Plunge” or “Conley family.”

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256,

or at dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.