Polar plungers with the Lewis County Icicle Brigade tool part in the annual polar plunge at Mayfield Lake on Saturday, Jan. 25.

The plunge raises money for Special Olympics Washington and Special Olympics athletes in Lewis County. It is organized and hosted by state Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, and members of local law enforcement.

“Six years ago, we created the Lewis County Icicle Brigade Polar Plunge Team and organized our own local event at Mayfield Lake,” Abbarno wrote in a recent commentary for The Chronicle. “Our goal was to create a plunge that was more accessible for athletes, families and the community. Creating a local plunge and community connection has been a huge success, with 100 plungers joining us last year, as well as coffee and food vendors supporting participants and spectators. The polar plunge is about more than just jumping into cold water. For me, it’s a way to highlight the importance of the Special Olympics in the lives of local families, to help provide the necessary resources for their success, and to ensure our athletes are recognized and appreciated for their dedication.”

The Lewis County Icicle Brigade had raised $8,847 as of Monday morning.  To learn more or donate, visit https://impact.sowa.org/team/620382.