Polar Plunge participants dive into icy waters to raise money for Special Olympics Missouri

This year's event saw an increase in participation from last year's 134 plungers, with water temperatures at 40 degrees and air temperatures at 52 degrees, accompanied by wind gusts between 13 and 24 miles per hour.

The Polar Plunge raised $64,000, nearing its $66,000 goal. Event coordinator Penny Williams expressed optimism that the target would be met by the end of the week.