Ballard Elks members will brave the cold Puget Sound water and take a plunge on New Year’s Day to raise funds for Elks Charities.

The Elks Charities include the Washington State Therapy Program, the Children’s Hospital, scholarships, and Veteran and Food Bank charities.

“We got the idea after seeing some people run into the Sound outside our lodge last year,” said Cindy Olsby who’s organizing the event.

“It’s a great way to raise money for Elks Charities,” Olsby said. “And to let people know the good things the Elks are doing in our community.”

Olsby said a large part of their fundraising is for The Washington State Therapy Program, which sends therapists to the homes of special needs children.

“That way, parents don’t have to travel with their special needs children, some of are just babies. We pay the salaries of those therapists," she said.

Olsby said that currently, she knows of 15 to 20 people who will brave the cold water on New Year’s Day with pledges of up to $600 each.

Elks has had a busy year raising funds for charities. They’re currently looking over applications to give out six $1000 scholarships to local high school students, and earlier this year Elks delivered food and toys to 50 families for Christmas, served a free dinner for 150 veterans and their families, and raised $6,000 for charity on their Halloween event.

The Elks Lodge will open at 11 a.m. and the plunge will take place at noon. Afterwards there will be a potluck, warm drink specials and football, Olse said.

The Ballard Elks lodge is located at 6411 Seaview Avenue Northwest.