Swimmers launch from the shore at last year’s Swim Across America Greenwich-Stamford Swim.  Photo credit: Jenifer Howard.

The fundraiser began in 1987 as a grassroots organization and a "sequel" to Run Across America, an eight month journey across the continent that raised over $1 million for cancer research. Fast forward 25 years, and Swim Across America is a movement in its own right—a philanthropic force to be reckoned with. What started as a single event in Nantucket, Massachusetts has spread across the country, with swims taking place everywhere from New York to San Francisco.

They're kicking off the 2012 season with the Greenwich-Stamford open water swim in Connecticut. Come this Saturday, volunteers of all ages will be stepping into their wetsuits and getting ready to raise some money. There are options for swimmers of all levels, from the short 1/2 mile swim to a longer five-mile jaunt.

Want to get involved? You can donate your time in several ways. Strong swimmers are always encouraged to get their feet wet, but there are also opportunities to volunteer on land or by sea. Swim Across America is always looking for more kayakers and boaters to help guide the swimmers and provide safety nets for any participants who are having trouble in the water.

And if you're not in the Greenwich area, there are swims going down in Washington, Wyoming, Texas, Tennessee, Florida and all over the North East. Find an event that suits your needs here.

Happy swimming!