GREEN BAY (NBC 26) -- The sun mixed with some warmer temperatures had many locals going for a swim to support Special Olympics athletes.
The Green Bay Polar Plunge brought out 500 jumpers to the Johnsville Tailgate Village at Lambeau Field. That's about how many people take the plunge each year for the event.
Organizers say the money raised supports about 2,000 athletes in our area. It goes toward covering their competition fees so athletes don't have to pay a dime. As organizers tell us, it typically costs about $757 per person each year.
“You should support Special Olympics athletes because they're active in our community too," says Sarah Graper, the Special Olympics Wisconsin Director of Development. "They're always around and they have the biggest hearts and if we can give a little bit back to them that would be wonderful."
The Green Bay Polar Plunge is one of their biggest fundraisers among 12 other plunges across the state.
Organizers said their goal was to raise $150,000. Right now, total's from Saturday's event amount to about $130,000.
If you're interested in helping them reach their goal, they say donations can be sent to:
Special Olympics Wisconsin
Attn: Green Bay Polar Plunge
2310 Crossroads Drive, Suite 1000
Madison, WI 53718
