Plungers brave temps in 40s to make a splash for Special Olympics

This year's Polar Plunge event for western Kentucky made another big splash Saturday at Kentucky Dam Village State Park.

On Saturday, teams of dozens of participants braved temperatures in the breezy 40s and took a dip into the chilly waters of Kentucky Lake. They also stepped out for the Polar 5K run from the old beach to Kentucky Dam and back.

Their efforts, in support of western Kentucky's Special Olympics athletes, along with 11,000 people in the Commonwealth with intellectual disabilities. 

As of Saturday morning, more than $75,000 was already pledged, exceeding the goal of $70,000 .

Polar Plunge is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for Special Olympics Kentucky. Last year the event also raised more than $70,000. Since 1997, almost $9 million has been raised.

This year's totals and awards and photos will be posted soon on the Polar Plunge Facebook page .