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Community Corner

Polar Bear Plunge Will Benefit Keith Greene's Family

Ten percent of proceeds from Human Resources of the Hamptons' Plunge for Hunger Dec. 8 will go toward supporting the late Hampton Bays man's wife and children.

The annual Polar Bear Plunge for Hunger to benefit the Human Resources of the Hamptons food pantry will have a second beneficiary this year — the family of Keith Greene, a Hampton Bays chef who died in August.

Greene served as chef at Schmidt's Market in Southampton Village and Schmidt's Seafood in North Sea, and he was a fan favorite contestant on the second season of reality show "Hell's Kitchen," known by the nickname "K-Grease." The 35-year-old grew up in the village and worked at many South Fork restaurants over the years. He left behind a wife and two small children with a new house, according to Human Resources.

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The ninth annual plunge begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at Coopers Beach.  To register, plungers must arrive before 9:30 a.m. and give at least $25, or collect at least $25 from sponsors. All plungers receive a Polar Bear Plunge 2012 hat. Registration takes place at the beach pavilion.

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"We need to raise money every year for our food pantry," said Human Resources of the Hamptons Executive Director Mary Ann Tupper. "350 local families depend on us for food and help. Many of the people we help are your friends and neighbors."

In 2011, 444 people took the plunge and helped raise $80,000 for food, emergency fuel and utilities, school supplies, medical transportation, home repairs and more, according to Human Resources of the Hamptons.

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Many plungers add to the fun by wearing costumes. What will you dress as this year? Leave a comment below.

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