Warm day didn’t take bite out of the Polar Plunge

Despite the lower turnout than organizers had anticipated on Jan. 25, the event was a success. (WTOP/Megan Cloherty)
There were three plunge times Saturday. This is moments after the 1 p.m. group rushed in. (WTOP/Megan Cloherty)
New T-shirts distributed at the event show the change in dates for the Polar Bear Plunge of 2014. (WTOP/Megan Cloherty)
Suzanne Sclafani, led her group from Baltimore named ''Significant Shrinkage'' raised more than $8,000 for Special Olympics. She says last year was more painful because there was no relief in the air temperatures once you left the water. (WTOP/Megan Cloherty)
Local responders were in the water to ensure plungers didn't go too far into the Bay and to make sure everyone was safe. They paused for the National Anthem before getting in. (WTOP/Megan Cloherty)
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ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The more than 1,000 plungers who committed to jump into the Chesapeake Bay back on Jan. 25 were happy the event was rescheduled for a warmer day.

But as expected, the water temperature still delivered a shock.

“I’m numb, freezing but excited,” says Anna Capozzoli just after getting out of the water.

Some wearing costumes, others wearing Maryland flag print bathing suits and Polar Bear Plunge gear, the participants raised $75 each for Special Olympics go into the 32-degree water.

Their contributions got the organization closer to its $2.5 million-dollar fundraising goal.

“We’re hopeful there is more in the end when we do the calculations, but we really feel good that people still supported,” says Jason Schriml with the Special Olympics. “It’s weeks later; they have plans and things have moved on, but we still have a large crowd and that’s great.”

Harsh conditions forced organizers to cancel the original event that 7,000 people agreed to attend. The warm weather on Saturday helped bring out more walk-up participants, Schriml says.

While most appreciate the near 60-degree temperatures, 16-year-old Andrew Hicks does not.

“I don’t know, it has to be cold,” says Hicks, of Olney. “It’s not as fun when it’s not cold.”

This is his family’s third Polar Bear Plunge, though they’re involved in a number of programs that benefit Special Olympics. Hicks’ sister, Bella, has Down Syndrome.

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