The inaugural Polar Bear Plunge took place at Compo Beach in Westport, with brave participants diving into the chilly waters of Long Island Sound to raise funds for Abilis.

The event aimed to support the renovation of Abilis Gardens & Gifts, a retail and employee training site that also serves as a gift and flower shop.

The renovations will make the building more accessible.

Abilis is a nonprofit organization that works with approximately 800 individuals with disabilities and their families in Fairfield County.