Polar Plunge raises more than $5,000

SYLVAN LAKE, Mich., Jan. 13 (UPI) -- A group of 30 people participated in the first Polar Plunge at Michigan's Sylvan Lake in an effort to raise money for Special Olympics Michigan.

The event, which took place Saturday, raised more than $5,000 for the organization, The Detroit News reported.

At the event, the first for the city, participants were encouraged to dress in costume as they jumped into the 34-degree water.

Colin Consiglio, a Sylvan Lake police officer and organizer of the event, said he was pleased with the turnout and the funds raised.

"I said I'd be happy with $2,000 to $3,000 and as it sits now, we've already surpassed that," he said.