Rating:

0.0 (0 votes)

MISSOULA- It doesn't feel like flip-flop and bathing suit weather, but several people stripped down and jumped into icy water; and they paid money to do it.

Several teams and individuals got together and raised money for the athletes of Special Olympics Montana at the annual Super Grizzly Dip.

Eight-year-old Matthew Houser jumped for his cousin, Jack, who is a Special Olympics Montana athlete. Houser raised over $500 and this was his first year jumping into the "freezing cold" water.

"I couldn't even talk when I first got out. It only took like two seconds for me to talk," he said.

Law enforcement, local schools, and even our own Montana This Morning team took the plunge.

Several teams donned costumes to make their dive even more memorable; including a trio who dressed up as characters from Star Trek.

The two top earners this year were the first to jump and together raised more than $4,500.

Bill Samsoe raised more than $2,400 this year; his tenth time taking the icy plunge.

"This is a fantastic event. There are so many great people here. It's an incredible community. I just can't speak highly enough about the people in this community," he said.

Runner-up for the top earnings, Justin Edgell, said Samsoe got him involved in the event four years ago. Edgell raised more than $2,100 this year and said he is glad to be involved in the event.

"It means a lot to us because we have, my niece has special needs so it means a lot to our family and being able to help out is just; it's a great, great program," he said.

After experiencing the freezing water, the Grizzly Dippers went inside for some hot chili to warm up.

Prizes were given out at the end and the categories included most money raised, best law enforcement team, and of course, the best costume.