Thousands of people turned out for the Polar Plunge on New Year's Day in Newport. Easton's Beach was overrun with around 1,000 swimmers and thousands of supporters. This year may have been the biggest turnout for the plunge ever, according to one organizer.

The Newport Polar Bears raise money for A Wish Come True, Inc., a local nonprofit that grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses in Rhode Island and areas of southeastern Massachusetts. Participants headed into the ocean in uncharacteristicly warm weather for the season. Some people even braved the water more than once.

Volunteers scoured the beach with contribution buckets during the plunge.

"I've never seen anything like this," noted Charlie Wright, one of the founders of the Newport Polar Bears. "There were 1,000 in the water and at least 4,000 to 5,000 people watching."

The original Polar Bears began the frigid tradition more than 40 years ago. The first plunge took place in 1969, but they have been partnering with A Wish Come True in recent years.

The scene was that of a typical beach day. Children built sand castles and dug holes, except instead of just bathing suits they were bundled up in warm winter coats, mittens and hats.

The Polar Bears raise money for A Wish Come True through their annual fundraiser. This year, all of the money will go to granting Ellary Kinnane's wish to visit with princesses at Disney World. Kinnane is a 3-year-old Portsmouth native with nemaline myopathy, which she has battled since birth.

Ellary, a strong little girl with a big smile, cannot walk or breath without a ventilator due to her illness. Although her speech is garbled, she and her mother can communicate with each other just fine.

Wright said they chose to partner with A Wish Come True because the donations directly benefit locals and aren't transferred to people in different states.

Due to the success from the plunge in previous years, Wright said the Polar Bears were considering doing another fundraiser later this year at the Winter Festival in February.

"We're already there and everyone's on the beach, so why not?" Wright said, adding that they might partner with United Way next.

Wright said that while the fundraiser just benefits Rhode Islanders and those in southeastern Massachusetts, they had residents from outside the region calling to donate as well.

"We were getting calls every 15 minutes ... Most of the calls were from Connecticut and Massachusetts," Wright said. Three wedding parties were included in the rush to the water on Saturday.

A benefit at the Atlantic Beach Club in Middletown followed the plunge to raise money to make Ellary's "wish come true." The total raised had not been finalized as of Sunday afternoon since donations were still being accepted.

The benefit included a free buffet, silent auction and raffle.