Hundreds of people were "freezin' for a reason" Tuesday morning at Lucky Peak Reservoir for the annual Great Polar Bear Challenge.
Those brave enough to take a dip in the icy waters helped to raise money and support for Make-A-Wish Idaho.
"This is our 16th annual Polar Bear Challenge," said Jessica Budzianowski, director of development for Make-A-Wish Idaho. "It is a great opportunity to start the new year and this event helps us raise funds for children with critical illnesses so we can have transnational wishes come true for them."
Every brave soul that took the plunge, raised at least $50 that goes toward granting a sick child's ultimate wish.
"It could be to have a backyard play set, it could be to go somewhere like Disney World or to meet somebody like their favorite actor," Budzianowski said.
Participants blew this year's fundraising goal out of the water.
"This year, as of this morning, we were at $48,000," Budzianowski said. "So, our goal was $40,000 and we have far exceeded that. We still have numbers rolling in from this morning as well, so we know we can grant over six wishes with this alone."
Knowing that a sick child will be granted the experience of a life time, and something to look forward to other than hospital visits, is what makes jumping into a freezing lake worth it.
"It says a lot about our community just how people can come together for a good cause on a freezing day like this," said participant Nick Hughes of Boise.