JACKSON COUNTY, MI -- The annual Michigan Law Enforcement Polar Plunge drew dozens of people to Clark Lake to support Special Olympics Michigan on Saturday.
Eagles Nest Bar & Grill hosted the event with a ‘Pre-Plunge Party’ and an ‘After-Splash Bash’ for jumpers and spectators.
Many jumpers wore creative costumes, including a strip of bacon and colored tutus, on Saturday, Jan. 28. Plungers walked on the ice out to a hole cut by the Columbia Township Dive Team. The dive team was present to help jumpers get out of the lake.
Related: Make a splash, raise some funds at the 2023 Clark Lake Polar Plunge
When the jumping concluded, participants had raised over $46,000, exceeding the goal of $38,000. All of the donations will be given to Special Olympics Michigan to provide support for the over 23,000 athletes across the state.
Participants needed to raise at least $100 to receive a sweatshirt and lunch. Those who thought it was too cold to take the plunge could donate $20 on the website.
The Polar Plunge is the biggest fundraiser for Special Olympics Michigan, officials say. All funds raised by plungers help the organization provide year-round training and services to athletes with intellectual disabilities across the state.
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