For years, an age restriction kept Jesse Washburn on the banks — denying him his chance to be a “Plunge Star.” On Saturday, the 14-year-old Warrenton native got his shot. Washburn, meeting the minimum age requirement, was one of 32 local plungers who participated in the “Going Wild for Special Olympics” team representing Warren County Handicapped Services. The group dressed as jungle characters including a giraffe, monkey and tiger. Also participating this year was a handful of Warrenton police officers and Warrenton High School students who donned simpler costumes. Plungers braved the frigid temperatures and leapt into the frozen lake during the annual “Freezin’ for a Reason” Polar Bear Plunge held in Lake Saint Louis. “I am ready to do it,” said Washburn, minutes before walking to the snow-packed shoreline. Washburn’s mother, Jami, who works at Warren County Handicapped Services and organizes the plunge each year, said the team had raised $4,365 as of Monday. She expected the figure to increase considerably as more donations are received throughout the week. Overall, 449 plungers from throughout the region helped raised more than $80,000 for this year’s event. All proceeds from the plunge benefit Special Olympics and fund year-round sports training and athletic competitions for children and adults with mental disabilities. The frigid water temperature was bearable but only for a brief time. “It was colder than what I thought,” William Reese said. “My body was all numb. But it was great experience. It’s for an awesome cause.” Matt Haynes was another first-time plunger this year. A physical education teacher at Black Hawk Middle School, he decided to participate and represent the school’s winter sports program. He collected $310 in donations from parents and students interested in helping the cause. “It’s real,” he said. “I’m going to get frozen.” He said he has several students with mental disabilities in his class who have expressed their support of the Special Olympics programs. “They are great kids and love Special Olympics,” Haynes said. “It’s great thing to get behind.” Lovie Oelklaus, Warren County Handicapped Service executive director, was thankful to see another large group participate in this year’s event. “Jami puts a lot of work into it the whole year,” she said. “She is always trying new things. It allows the community to participate in a good worthy cause which helps the entire state.” Jesse Washburn was already looking forward to the 2012 event and doing it bigger. “I’m going all the way under (the water) next year,” he remarked. Local plungers can still participate in one more event this year. On Feb. 19, the 12th Judicial Court Drug Court Division and Mexico Department of Safety are teaming up together to host a Polar Plunge at Kiwanis Park in Mexico, Mo., at 2 p.m. A minimum $50 donation is required. For more information, visit somo.org.