BOISE – Each year donations for Make-A-Wish Idaho fill the hopes and dreams of children all over Idaho, but it's not possible without the annual Polar Bear Plunge.
On Thursday, a little under 400 people took an icy dip in the Lucky Peak Reservoir for the cause.
"Each year people raise money and then they come up to Lucky Peak and they kick off their new year by jumping in the lake," said CEO of Make-A-Wish Idaho Megan Griffin.
Even with temperatures beyond freezing this year, it did not take away from the success of the event.
"We were kind of afraid that because of the weather, people would sort of chicken out at the last minute," said Griffin. "I'll tell you, we had lots of people in here skiing and wakeboarding. It was a great experience."
She says these daring dips in the water really do help to make dreams come true for kids in Idaho.
"It's for a great cause," said Lauren Smith.
Some jumped right in, while others took to the water slowly.
"My feet are freezing and numb," said one participant.
"Yeah, my toes hurt," said another.
Griffin said everyone came through for the foundation.
"As of this morning, before the day of registration, we had about $30,000 already raised, which is great. Every wish costs us roughly $6,500," she said. "The more we raise, the more the money goes directly to wishes for kids."
You can still donate to the cause even if you don't want to get into the frozen lake. They are still accepting donations throughout the year.
"[Thanks to] sponsors and all the volunteers, the people who came up here to make this happen. We are grateful for it and we are hoping that people come out and try it next year," said Griffin.
