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Polar Plunge 2011

02.26.2011

An oversized Whoopee cushion, several superheroes and an assortment of costumed critters joined their ‘human’ classmates for Saturday’s Polar Plunge – an icy dip into NC State’s Lake Raleigh – to help raise more than $60,000 for Special Olympics North Carolina. The plunge – combined with the 5K run preceding it – attracted more than 650 participants.

This year's Polar Plunge drew spectators of all ages. T-shirts for Polar Plunge participants. Polar Plunge participants pose for photos. Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Polar Plunge costume judge Dr. Tom Stafford chats with participants prior to their jump in Lake Raleigh. Polar Plunge medals await the winners on dry land. Carolina Hurricanes mascot Stormy exchanges fives with a young Polar Plunge fan. Ryan Hood of the Small Miracle team prepares to lead the plungers down to Lake Raleigh. Trophy awaits a winner at the annual Polar Plunge. Silent auction items on display. Polar Plunge participant inflates his swim ring before heading into Lake Raleigh. Ryan Hood of the Small Miracle team leads Polar Plunge participants in their march down to Lake Raleigh. The Hulkster was ready for the Polar Plunge. Team Skanska wears his bathrobe prior to his plunge into Lake Raleigh. Costumed plunger ready to make the leap into Lake Raleigh. Team Skanska readies for their plunge into Lake Raleigh. Costumed plunger makes the leap into Lake Raleigh as big crowd watches. Member of Team Nake ASCI reacts to the cold Lake Raleigh water. Wet and cold Polar Plunger with Team Nake ASCI walks out of Lake Raleigh. The floating Lake Raleigh dock dips down into the water as crowd gathers to watch the Polar Plunge. A giant Whoopie cushion and his soggy stogie at the 2011 Polar Plunge. Polar Plunger heads down to the water. A family of Polar Plungers head into the water. Polar Plungers react to the cold as they head into the water. Polar Plunger goes in hands first. Polar Plunger reacts to the cold as he heads into the water. Team Skanska members plunge into Lake Raleigh. Polar Plunger heads down into the water. Polar Plunger dressed as a cavemen reacts to the cold as he heads into the water. Polar Plunge spectators watch and capture the action from their floating dock vantage point. Team Skanska members splash around Lake Raleigh during the annual Polar Plunge. Polar Plunger John Kubinsky dries off after his jump in Lake Raleigh. Polar Plungers warm up with new scarves they received for participating in the annual fundraiser. Polar Plunge fan wants Kelly to jump in the lake one more time... A four-legged, water-loving spectator wondered what all the fuss was about.