VIDEO: Cranford Plungers Raise Over $12K For Special Olympics

There wasn't a cloud in the sky when 45 Cranford residents stripped down to their bathing suits and ran into the 38-degree Atlantic Ocean.

The Cranford Plungers raised $12,315 for Special Olympics New Jersey Saturday when they took the 2010 Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside Heights. They were joined by five members of the Cranford Police Benevolent Association, who together raised $1,500.

Originally scheduled for February 27, the event was moved due to a snowstorm that dumped over a foot of snow throughout the state. But with Saturday's blue sky and sunshine on the beach, few complained.

The Plunge drew thousands of participants and raised a total of $920,974.

Each participant was required to raise at least $100 for the cause. Some outdid that total, like Cranford's Keith Garcia, who came up with about $1,600.

Cranford's Teen Advisory Board organized the team.

Cranford Patch Editor Whitney Rhodes raised $100 and ran into the ocean with them. She took the video camera with her.