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HUNTINGDON -- Victoria Searer might have been dressed in camouflage from head to toe, but there she couldn't conceal how cold the water felt at Greenwood Lake Saturday afternoon.
Searer, the executive director at the Juniata Valley YMCA in Burnham, kicked off the YMCA's Polar Plunge by running into the frigid lake first with Program Director Sarah King.
Once in the water, Searer plopped down on the lake's bottom, so that only her head was above water.
"The water was freezing," said Searer, who participated in her third fundraiser. "They had to cut some ice in the hole again because it was so cold this week and it refroze.
"I think it is a rush when you dunk down in the cold water. The hardest part is standing back up because it takes your breath away for a second."
The Polar Plunge was held in conjunction with the Snowfest at Greenwood Furnace State Park. The beach was full of brave souls. One by one - or in small groups - they ran or dove into frigid Greenwood Lake to raise money for the YMCA. Many huddled around a bonfire on the beach at some point during the afternoon.
This marked the inaugural Polar Plunge for King, who squatted down until she was waist deep in water. Both then headed quickly back to shore.
"We challenged the YMCA members that if they donated $1,000 in the Polar Plunge bucket at the front desk, Sarah would plunge for the first time."
Mission accomplished. About 80 plungers participated in the Polar Plunge, ranging from individuals to family and friends to employers and organizations.
"It was awesome to see some organizations plunging to help us as well," Searer said. "I thought it was a good turnout for plungers as well as spectators. I wasn't sure what the turnout was going to be because of the wind and how cold it was, but it was a great turnout."
Proceeds from the Polar Plunge will enable the YMCA to add some new youth programs and events. It will also allow more children to participate in YMCA programs at no cost, if their families can't afford the registration fees.