WITH VIDEO: Costumed Polar Plungers raise money for Special Olympics of Michigan

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Buzz Lightyear and several characters from the “Mario Kart” roster took a swim in the Rose Ponds outside of the Student Activity Center for this year’s Polar Plunge.

The Polar Plunge began Saturday morning with a temperature of 25 degrees and high winds. Donations from registrants for the plunge benefited the 2011 Special Olympics of Michigan.

Community members overcame the cold to cheer on the costumed participants as they leapt for the cause.

Troy senior Jessie Spencer felt sympathy for the plungers’ frigid fate.

“It was painful just watching them jump in and I wasn’t even jumping,” Spencer said, “but it was worthwhile for the participants because it was for a good cause.”

Isabella County Sheriff Leo Mioduszewski said he has come to the event for the past seven years.

“I enjoy it every year because it’s a great cause,” Mioduszewski said.

Participants who raised $500 received a Polar Plunge sweatshirt and those who gathered $1,000 were given a Polar Plunge jacket.

Eugene Comstock, a track and field Special Olympian, earned his jacket from raising $1,050. He collected $429 with a golf cart tour of the Delfield Co. factory with Delfield employee Dean Moore. Moore took the plunge as Eugene’s jumping partner.

With a water temperature of 34 F, Comstock jokingly said, “I hope my doctor isn’t here to see this.”

Williamston senior Mike McKay said he liked being a part of something bigger than himself as he warmed himself after the icy leap.

“I felt good because I saw Dan Ekonen (coordinator of volunteers and coaches education) of SOMI as I got out of the water and he recognized me from the Summer Olympics,” McKay said. “So, it was worth it.”