Deborah Marston

Subzero Heroes

I'm fundraising for...Aunt Mary

Hi, my name is Debbie and I’m taking the plunge in honor of my Aunt Mary, whom was also the closest thing to a grandmother I ever had, and died from dementia. 

My team is called “Purple Mermaids” because Little Ladybugs can’t swim! But we are all still Little Ladybugs because that was Aunt Mary’s nickname for me growing up, as well into my adulthood.

She is originally from North Carolina, but settled in South Hampton, NY, raising her son, Jimmy. However, you could take the girl outta the south, but you couldn’t take the south outta the girl! She had an amazing southern draw, and hilarious southern sayings. Some that come to mind are “you buck eyed buzzard!” and “Shoot Fuzzy Miss Agnes”!

My Aunt Mary never knew a stranger. Everyone loved her! 

If she was here she’d like people to know that she loved her red Ford Mustang. Walking her golden retriever, Ginger on the beach. And FOOTBALL, Aunt Mary LOVED football and her NY Giants! (she was actually at the Superbowl and watched them WIN!!) While watching a Giants game she would put on her NY Giants jersey and put a throw pillow up it!! I asked her once, “why”? She said that it was her padding! As if she was right there in the huddle with them!! And I remember her famously muting ALL commercials!

She’d also want me to tell everyone that she loves her family and spending time with them.

It is my honor, along with my cousin (her son) Jimmy to be able to do this in her honor. And both of us are sure she’d be proud.

Aunt Mary would also want me to acknowledge Horst Stohrer and his father Gerhard Stohrer who died of Alzheimer’s, along with his wife Anne Marie who was his primary caregiver; my friend and team member Lexi, who walks for her Uncle who was diagnosed a little over a year ago with Alzheimer’s, and my friend & teammate Kathy who’s mother was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. And my boss, friend, and family Bob Barber, who allowed me to reach out to our clients and business associates for donations, he is the true fundraising hero for the Little Ladybugs and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and I am forever grateful. 

Thank you for your support for the Subzero Hero’s and the plunge to End Alzheimer’s  and honoring my Aunt Mary. You are all Little Ladybugs now! And you can now dive like Purple Mermaids!

As Aunt Mary would say, “Love you a bunch”! xoxo

Thank you to my Donors

$10

Deborah Marston

Event Information

Schedule of Events

10:30 am: Check In Opens
11:45 am: Opening Ceremony
12:00 pm: Jump

Location

Berean Lake at Berean Park
49 Reservoir Road,
Highland, NY 12528

Contact

Ellie Gisler
egisler@alz.org
845-378-1069

About Subzero Heroes

The first Subzero Heroes was held on a chilly morning in February 2010 when 25 brave souls jumped into a frozen lake and approximately 80 others watched (and laughed). Since then, the event has expanded dramatically. Subzero Heroes is one of our most popular fundraisers -- and because of the strong media interest, one of our most visible. Funds raised for Subzero Heroes helps support the Alzheimer's Association's goals of providing care, support, and research on behalf of the more than 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer's and their families.

Don't Forget Your Costume

From superheroes to bowling pins and everything in-between, costumes have always been a big part of Subzero Heroes. Get creative and invite your team to join in your theme (including sidekicks). 

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

Where do the funds go?

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The funds raised through this event benefit the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. See this page for more information on our fundraising standards.

Do I have to register in order to participate? 

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Yes! All participants (Heroes and Sidekicks) must register and sign a waiver in order to participate. 

Is there an age minimum to participate?

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All Jumpers (Heroes) must be 18 years or older on the day of the event to jump. No one less than 18 years of age may jump. 

There is no minimum age for Sideicks (those who do not jump). A parent or legal guardian's signature is required to participate. 

What is the difference between a Hero and a Sidekick?

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Heroes are those who are jumping into the lake and agree to raise a minimum of $250. You must be 18 years age or older to jump. 

Sidekicks are part of the Heroes team. At the event, they are found cheering on their Hero(es) from the sidelines. They also help the Hero raise funds and reach fundraising goals. Sidekicks do not jump. 

Fundraising

How do I start fundraising?

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The best fundraising efforts start by sharing your personal story about why you're participating in this event. You can share your story on your personal fundraising page by logging in to your dashboard. Once your page is updated, share it with friends, family, and coworkers via email, social networking, and word of mouth.

How is the money collected?

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Submitting donations to the Alzheimer’s Association is quick and easy. 

Donations can be made online with a credit card or by check or money order made out to the Alzheimer’s Association. Checks can be deposited instantly using the ALZ Fundraising mobile app. You can also mail donations to the Hudson Valley Chapter located at 2900 Westchester Avenue #306, Purchase, NY 10577.

To download the mobile app, visit the App Store or Google Play and search for "ALZ Fundraising." 
Is there a fundraising minimum? 
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In order to jump and serve as a Hero, you must raise a minimum of $250 by event day. You can make a personal donation to make up the difference.

Event Specific

What happens if it rains or snows? 
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Subzero Heroes is a rain or shine event. However, in the case of severe weather, we will cancel. If this is the case, we will update our Event homepage on or before the morning of the event.

This is an outdoor event so please dress appropriately. 
How is Jump Order decided? 
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Jump order is based on fundraising. The top fundraising team will lead the jump, followed by the second, third, and so on. 
I'm interested in volunteering! How do I get started?
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Thank you! We need volunteers to help with set-up, clean-up, registration, and so much more! Contact Ellie Gisler at egisler@alz.org for more details.
Are there sponsorship or in-kind opportunities available?
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Yes! If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Ellie Gisler at egisler@alz.org