This year's Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge had special meaning for Veronica Aaron's family. A basketball teammate of her son's, who has Down syndrome, lost a courageous battle to cancer last month. So as she stepped to the beach just a couple of feet away from the frigid lake waters in Lake Saint Louis Saturday, the significance of participating meant plenty as her son watched nearby. "It touched us emotionally," Aaron said. "It's a very special jump. It's bittersweet." Aaron was one of 33 "Gang Busters," a group representing Warren County Handicapped Services, that leaped into the frosty waters during the annual "Freezin' for a Reason" Polar Bear Plunge. More than $100,000 was raised from 443 plungers. With more money trickling in, plunge organizers hope to get closer to their goal of $150,000. All proceeds from the plunge benefit Special Olympics and fund year-round sports training and athletic competitions for children and adults with mental disabilities. Though participation was down compared to recent years, enough money was raised to support upcoming athletic competitions. Locally, the funds are used to pay hotel and meal expenses for the Special Olympics athletes. Similar to last year, local plungers garnered awards. Bill Chancellor, of Warrenton, raised the most money of any individual after turning in $3,800. Dressed as a biker babe, Vickie Clark, of Jonesburg, finished second in the costume contest. As a team, the Warren County Handicapped Services raised the most money with at least $6,300 raised, said plunge organizer Jami Washburn. "It's been so great," she said. "Everyone was such huge supporters." For Kirk Hopkins, an employee of the Emmaus Homes, plunging never gets old. He worked at the home for developmentally disabled individuals in the morning, then donned a woman's wig, painted his fingernails and put on fish-net stockings for the event later that day. "Someone told me I was too old, but that made me more determined," said Hopkins, who was plunging for the fourth time. "It's really, really fun. It's really rewarding." Indeed, the cause keeps the participants coming back "Anything to raise money to help out, I am willing," said Chelsea Gardner, who is employed at the Department of Mental Health office in Warrenton and was jumping for the third time. "They have so much fun watching." Also getting into the action this year was several Warrenton police officers. Dubbed "Warrenton's Wanted," the officers dressed as inmates as they braved the chilly water. According to Detective Rich Black, who organized the group, around $1,000 was raised. Already, plungers are gearing up for another year and thinking about next year's theme. "I'm ready to start collecting more money and finding more people to jump," said Carolyn Lewis, who has plunged since 2005. "It's a special cause for special needs." You don't have to wait a full year to plunge though. The 12th Judicial Circuit Drug Court Division is one of the main sponsors of the second annual plunge in Mexico, Mo., on Saturday, Feb. 20, at 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.somo.org.