GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Community members looking to make a difference in the live's of others came out for the Grand Rapids Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Michigan.
Because of the extreme cold, no one was allowed to actually jump in the water, but that didn't stop people from showing their support.
Taking on the cold for a good cause, supporters of the Grand Rapids Polar Plunge braved the frigid west Michigan weather to raise money for Special Olympics Michigan athletes.
Despite not being able to jump into Reed's Lake like previous years, supporters made the best of the decision made by the search and rescue team to keep everyone safe.
For people like Laura Bassett, it's seeing how the organization has helped her son James that further inspires her to volunteer with Special Olympics Michigan.
"It means that he able to play sports like anybody else and it gives them a lot of confidence and it lets them be social," said Bassett.
Bassett said that this year's event means even more because without being able to actually take the plunge, still showing up supporting the cause shows their commitment.
"We are raising a lot of money for Special Olympics. We couldn't plunge this year because of the weather, but we are having an awesome time anyways," said Bassett.
Top fundraising teams like Buffalo Wild Wings, Everdry Water Proofing, and the Ram Clan all turned in their fundraising efforts.
Participants also took part in the parade of costumes.
Bassett's son James is just another example of how Special Olympics helps change the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities, and makes them a part of a team.
"To me as a parent because it shows that they care about the athletes, and they care about the program. Especially today, when they came out today anyways when we weren't able to plunge, but are here for the party," said Bassett.
The event raised more than $90,000.
You can donate to Special Olympics Michigan by CLICKING HERE, or to learn about future plunging events, you can CLICK HERE.
