Polar Plunge sets new record

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- It’s chilly outside, but that didn’t stop thousands from braving the winter weather to take part in a fundraising event for the Special Olympics New York.

The event took place this weekend at Woodlawn Beach State Park in Blasdell. The two-day plunge is the largest across the state, and this year participants set a new record for money raised – more than $560,000.

The non-profit serves more than 45,000 athletes across the state with year-round sports training, health screenings and more. This, of course, costs money – which means fundraisers like this are key for the organization.

"We do polar plunges because, frankly, they work," said Renee Snyder, vice president of development for Special Olympics New York. "People love being in the water, they love supporting a great cause and we're a little bit different than a walk or a run or a gala. We're raising money for our community and it's really going right back into our community."

You might recognize some of those faces running into the cold waters of Lake Erie in the video above -- WIVB News 4 had a group of people in attendance brave enough to take the plunge.

For more info on the polar plunge -- and how to register for polar plunges in other cities -- click here.