Hundreds Take Polar Plunge To Benefit Special Olympics
PITTSBIRGH (KDKA) - Hundreds of people in Beaver County braved the cold over the weekend for a good cause.
They took part in a polar plunge to raise money for the Pennsylvania Special Olympics.
The brave souls plunged into the Beaver River.
People jumped in and out quickly and can you blame them?
The water wasn't just frigid, but coated in ice.
Despite that, some dove in wearing very little. Others bundled up a bit and several plungers even wore full firefighter gear.
This is the third year for the polar plunge in Beaver County.
"Each year, we've grown as far as the number of people that volunteered to plunge and also in donations," Beaver Co Special Olympics Treasurer David Piuri said.
"This is our major fundraiser for our Special Olympics here in Beaver County. The money that we raise today will be used for all of our programs, to send our athletes to local and state competitions," Dianne Sarver said.
Organizers say this year, well over 500 people took the plunge at the Bridgewater Marina, including some of the Special Olympics athletes themselves.
"It is an awesome fundraiser to do. I like doing it, and this is my third year jumping into the Beaver River for it," Special Olympics athlete Josh Barber said.
The group raised more than $80,000 and as always, law enforcement was a big part of the effort.
"We come out to support the athletes and have law enforcement teams to go in the water, interact with the community and more importantly help the athletes, help raise awareness and help raise funds," Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Assist. Chief Scott Schubert said.
