Milwaukee Polar Plunge the coldest plunge this year in Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Most of us spent most of the day indoors because of the cold, but hundreds of people took to the lakefront in Milwaukee Saturday for Special Olympics Wisconsin's Polar Plunge.

"Oh gosh, it was freezing," said Polar Plunger Courtney Rieck, "but it felt really good. It was quick. It was quicker than I thought. But it was awesome."

Rieck was one of hundreds who braved jumping in lake Michigan's mid-twenties water Saturday.

Organizers say of the eight events across Wisconsin, this is one of the coldest.

"It's actually very cold today! Of the plunges that have taken place this year, this is the second coldest day for the plunge. It's also very windy which adds in another element coming out of the water, so they're really taking the term polar for all it's worth today," said Whitney Eagan, Special Event Manager.

Each plunger raised at least a hundred dollars to plunge.

Organizers say this event alone raised around $70,000 dollars as of Saturday morning, counting the plungers' donations and larger donations from different local organizations.

The entire effort went towards support programming to change the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and support Special Olympics Wisconsin.

"Athletes, supporters, family members, friends have all been fundraising since the beginning of the year," said Eagan.

Despite the cold, many say they'll be doing it again next year.

"it's an awesome thing to do," said Rieck. "I would do it again."