Over $50,000 was raised for children with special needs, said organizers.
MOUNT ARLINGTON -- Hundreds jumped into the icy waters of Lake Hopatcong Saturday to raise money for children with special needs.
As part of the seventh annual "Leap in the Lake for Our Special Kids," about 300 people plunged into the water despite the frigid temperatures.
Matt Winans, of the local Elks Lodge, which hosted the event, said the group raised about $50,000 for local children with special needs.
"We are ready to cut $1,000 checks for 15 schools later today," said Winans. "Then we will also send another 22 kids to the State's special needs camp."
Winan's said the weather affected turnout and donations, which were down from previous years, but that this year was not the coldest.
With wind chills, the first year's event beat this year's temperature by a few degrees. Still ice had to be cut out of the frozen lake to make room for the brave swimmers.
Cody Sherman took the icy plunge Saturday with his three buddies. The Denville resident did so because he works as a teacher for special needs students at Celebrate the Children, he said.
Sherman and his buddies said they considered backing out once they saw where the mercury stood in the morning, around negative 15 degrees with wind chills, but pulled through.
"The water is not that bad," said Sherman. "It's worse when you come out."
Fausto Giovanny Pinto may be reached at fpinto@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @FGPreporting. Find NJ.com on Facebook.