Plungers raise more than $1 million

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - More than 3,500 brave souls raised a record $1.12 million for Special Olympics Virginia this weekend by plunging in the frigid Atlantic Ocean.

The money set the record for the most raised in the event's 20-year history.

"Raising $1 million for the second year in a row is incredible," said Rick Jeffrey, Special Olympics Virginia president. "More importantly, though, these funds will help us to build bigger, better, more inclusive communities across the state of Virginia."

The 2012 Polar Plunge Winter Festival kicked off at 10:30 a.m. with the Polar Plunge commencing at 2:30 p.m.

Almost 400 local students raised $42,626 and took the icy dip into the Atlantic on Friday during the Polar Plunge Cool School Challenge. The top fundraising team, Plaza Middle School, took home some great incentives.

Thirty-eight "Pee-Wees" age 10 and under plunged into a kiddie pool lightly sprinkled with ice Saturday afternoon, and raised $6,627.

Special Olympics Virginia Board of Directors member Roger Giesinger of Chesapeake took home the individual fundraising prize for the seventh year in a row, with more than $21,000 raised.

More than 50 Special Olympics athletes and family members from the Fredericksburg area took home the Top Team fundraising award, with more than $60,000 raised.

Proceeds from the Plunge help provide year-round support to more than 10,000 Special Olympics athletes and 20,000 volunteers across the state.