PHOTOS: A Hundred Take to the Water for Teen's Cause

A hundred community members braved the chilly April weather on Sunday to splash into the Atlantic Ocean to help raise money for a backpack program, sponsored by a Westhampton Beach teen.

The Spring Splash, held at Rogers Beach, was sponsored by HUGS of Westhampton and created by Ariana DeMattei, a 7th grader, raised $3,000 for DeMattei's program, called Backpacks for fellow students.

Splashers and attendees were treated to live music by Steeldrummania and food and drinks from the Quogue Country Market, Hampton Coffee Co, Tates Cookies and Merry's Cakes. Also on hand for the event was Emily's Masks, Elmo, courtesy of Mommy O Entertainment, as well as the Westhampton Beach Fire Deptment, the Westhampton Beach Volunteer Ambulance, the Westhampton Beach Police Department and lifeguards from the Village of Westhampton Beach and Smith Point.

DeMattei will use the money raised to fill 150 backpacks for local students in need by September. A portion of the backpacks will be donated to Westhampton Beach students and others to a school in East Hampton.

Aside from the money raised from the Splash, DeMattei has raised hundreds of dollars and supplies through her online campaign and through a Modell's of Riverhead donation.

On Friday, Modell's gave DeMattei 150 string backpacks and also offered to provide proceeds from sales through the week through May 2. Customers just need to download a flyer to present at Models in order for proceeds to be donated in DeMattei's name. In return customers get a 15 percent discount.

Related Reading:

• Seventh Grader Looks to Help Fellow Students With Backpack Fundraiser
• Seventh Grader Plans Spring Splash To Benefit Backpack Program
• Modell’s Sponsors Westhampton Beach Student's Backpack Fundraiser

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