The Polar Plunge into Chatfield Reservoir in near-freezing water caused acres of goose bumps while raising more than $75,000 for Colorado Special Olympics.

The Dec. 5 event, dubbed “Freezin for a Reason,” is an extension of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. Like all events to benefit Special Olympics, funds raised go to help provide facilities and events for more than 10,000 special needs individuals who compete in Special Olympic events around the state.

This is the second year there has been a Polar Bear Club-style plunge into cold water to raise money for Colorado Special Olympics.

Those who agreed to go into the water either formed teams or went solo. Teams included Regis High School, a North Star group from Greeley that donned the attire of Santa and his elves as well as a team that wore grass skirts and a Lakewood Police team in uniform shirts.

Parker resident Robbie Coady and a Boulder Police sergeant led the first group and carried the Olympic-style torch into the water.

A short distance away, Highlands Ranch resident LoriAnne Zuffoletto and a score of fellow Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Department members waited their turn to take the plunge under the title, “Team Insanity.”

“I have always thought we all had a few screws loose and I guess this proves it,” she said as she prepared to join the team in the plunge into the icy water. “I signed up last year but couldn’t join the team because I broke my wrist. I vowed I would go in this year and I’m as ready as I’m going to get.”

She smiles and said it was a special day in several ways as she helped raise money for Special Olympics, plus her alma mater, Heritage High School, won the state Class 4A football championship.

She wore a Santa hat as part of her attire and said it was probably a fruitless effort to keep in a little body heat.

This is the second year the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Department members have joined together to form Team Insanity. Last year, the team raised about $2,900 and this year, they almost doubled that amount.

Wearing dry clothes after the dip, Zuffoletto said the water was very, very cold.

“It was a shock when you go in,” she said. “But it was over quick and I expect I’ll be out here again next year. But, I’ll probably wear a bathing suit rather than baggy clothes because you can get out of a wet bathing suit much quicker than wet, baggy clothes.

Jim Job was one of the solo plungers.

“I have always tried to help Special Olympics because of all the good they do working with athletes like my daughter,” the Centennial man said as he tried to warm up after coming out of the water. “There is no way to describe how cold it was going into that water. Then, as you came up out of the water, that wind was really chilly. It was a shock. But it was a for a good cause and I’m glad I could help.”