OLD ORCHARD BEACH (AP) — More than 300 people took a New Year’s Day plunge into the icy ocean off Old Orchard Beach to raise $100,000 for the Special Olympics.
The water for the 27th annual Lobster Dip on Thursday was a bone-chilling 35 degrees. But it was even colder on the beach, with an air temperature of 28 degrees to go along with a stiff wind.
The event is the single largest fundraiser for Special Olympics Maine and has raised more than $1 million over the years.
This year’s total surpassed the $80,000 raised last year.
Money raised supports the 3,800 adults and children with intellectual disabilities who participate in Special Olympics Maine programming.
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