Saturday, Feb. 1, nearly 600 plungers, including 100 regional Police Officers took the big dip in the frigid waters off Golden Gardens Park for the 2014 Special Olympics Washington Polar Plunge.

The event raised money for 10 thousand Special Olympic athletes around Washington State and is a fundraising effort organized by law enforcement agencies across the state to benefit Special Olympics Washington.

Each plunger needed to raise over $75 to plunge, and ultimately the day ended with over $100,000 raised.

For a costume contest, plungers were encouraged to dress the spirit of the event. Eric Johnson, with the Nearly Naked Norwegians, was the highest single earner at the event and had over 10 friends participating in the group.

Johnson has been involved with the program for years and looks forward to it as a way to raise money for a good cause.

“I work with Special Olympic years ago with my sister, and I’m a sucker for a good cause. I like helping folks out and that’s what its all about. It’s a great way to get all my buddies to wear Viking horns and fur and jump into freezing cold water, “ said Johnson.

Kim Green with her dog, Ruger, was also a member of the Naked Norwegians, and won best costume. Green said she sews for a living, and so she put together the group’s costumes.

“It's been a truly fun event and it makes me want help out with the Special Olympics in the future,” said Green.