The wintry weather experienced by much of the southwest Michigan area lately may send many into the warm confines of their homes – but for a select few it’s just the perfect build up to the upcoming Polar Plunge, set for Saturday, Feb. 12 at Pleasant Lake and Chameleon Experience in Edwardsburg in Cass County.

The event is to benefit the Special Olympics of Area 17, which includes Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties.

Laurie Newton, who has been a coach with the Special Olympics for more than 20 years, said this is the first event for the area.

She said last year she went up to Kalamazoo and participated in its plunge.

“I thought, this is awesome, we have to do this,” Newton said.

How does it work? Newton said participants solicit pledges from supporters and the community.

“We go around and ask people to pledge us to plunge,” she said.

Members of the Cass County Sheriff’s Department’s marine division will saw a hole in the ice over Pleasant Lake and plungers, often dressed up in fun and festive costumes, hurl themselves into the frigid waters.

“Then they get out, run to the bathroom and change into some warm clothes,” Newton said.

Pledges can be in any amount. “It depends on how much people want to give and can give,” she said.

Those interested in taking the leap can sign up online or show up on the day of the plunge.

“Eight people have signed up (online) so far,” Newton said. “A lot of people wait until the day of (the event) and come out and do it.”

She said she expects anywhere between 50 and 100 plungers for the event.

Those who go all out in coming up with festive costumes could win the coveted “golden plunger” award, which, Newton said, is an actual plunger painted gold.

“We do a parade of costumes and then when you get ready to plunge, there’s judges at the end and then just one person at a time jumps in,” Newton said.

The fun had by participants and spectators at such events is just a part of the goal of raising money for Special Olympic athletes. Cass County, Newton said, has both a cross-country and basketball team.

Lunch will also be provided at the event and “every penny goes back to the Special Olympics,” Newton said. “(That money) can go for uniforms, pay for medical appraisals, gas to take athletes to and from events, event costs and sporting equipment.”

For those who are considering taking the plunge for the first time, just how does it feel?

“Totally awesome,” Newton said. “I wanted to do it again.”

Registration begins at 10 a.m. followed by a parade of costumes and plunge at 11 a.m. and a post plunge party and awards at noon.

For more information or to register online, visit www.somi.org or call (269) 470-4327.

Entry fee is a $50 donation to Special Olympics of Michigan.

Bring the collected pledges to the event.

Plunge attire is anything but a wet suit. Shoes are required.