The money raised through the Leap in the Lake event will go toward sending children with special needs to summer camp Watch video
About 200 people stood around the edge of Lake Hopatcong on Saturday, dressed as if they were ready for a summer swim.
Some wore shark hats. Some donned penguin-style tops. Most were dressed in swimming gear.
So, why was this group anxiously awaiting the signal to plunge into the icy lake in Sussex County on a February weekend afternoon? Charity.
The New Jersey chapter of the Elks, a non-profit community service organization, held its ninth annual Leap in the Lake event in Hopatcong. The group raised more than $30,000 this year, not including online donations.
"Couple of minutes of discomfort we feel ... so I'm more than happy to do it for children with special needs," said Larry Bellack Jr., who served as the captain of a team from the local St. Patrick's Pub, which raised $6,000 for the cause.
Each participant contributed $50 to make the run into the lake. Those who weren't that brave, but still wanted to donate to the cause, could give $25 for the benefit afterparty held in the nearby lodges.
The money raised at Leap in the Lake helps to fund Elks Camp Moore, a camp in the Ramapo Mountains for kids with special needs. As of Saturday, 22 children and five adults had been sponsored for the camp, and that number can grow depending on donations, Elks Lodge President Kathleen Caffrey said.
Leap in the Lake also raises money for youth sports teams, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts troops, and other youth events and activities that the Elks sponsor.
The event started nine years ago with 20 jumpers and at one point had 400 people braving the icy lake.
"It's an attention grabber. It's kind of like if you have the chutzpah to do it, just do it for a good cause," Caffrey said. "It's amazing to see the community come out, and to even be part of it, it's so rewarding."
When asked how it felt jumping into a lake surrounded by snow and ice in 43-degree weather while wearing swim trunks, police officer Thomas Fedo of Jefferson Township quipped, "I've never felt warmer."
"It brings a lot of money and helps with children with special needs, so it was definitely worth it," said Fedo, who jumped for the first time.
Anyone wanting to donate to Elks Camp Moore can do so online here.
Taylor Tiamoyo Harris may be reached at tharris@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ladytiamoyo. Find NJ.com on Facebook.