Last year's plunge raised more than $53,000 for the Special Olympics.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Hundreds of area residents will brave icy waters this Valentine's Day with the return of the Polar Plunge.

 

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is putting on its third plunge after raising more than $53,000 for the Special Olympics last year. Officer Darren Derby, who along with Officer John Bassi organized the event, says this year the theme — predictably — is about love.

 

"In past years, it is a themed thing so people can dress in costume," Derby said.

 

Coupled with the love theme, Derby says there will be a justice of the peace on hand to marry couples who want to "take the plunge before the plunge."

 

Derby will even buy the bride her wedding dress, he said. If any couples want to marry or renew their vows, Derby asks that the organizers get a notice ahead of time to help coordinate it.

 

The hope is for more than 250 plungers to dive into frozen Onota Lake to raise $60,000. The event took a huge step forward last year. In 2013, 27 people took the plunge and raised about $10,000. In 2014, 220 plungers took to the waters and raised $53,000.

 

"It was chaotic and overwhelming," Derby said. "Last year, we had 30 to 40 people sign up the day of."

 

While it may have been chaotic for organizers, last year's plunge was considered a success. Now they are taking the lessons learned from that one looking to build up the event, including having a larger tent.

 

But "it  is weather dependent" on how well the event does each year. 

 

Derby is reaching out to schools to get involved as well. Last year, 75 percent of Pittsfield schools participated and Derby is looking for 100 percent. Schools outside of Pittsfield have also participated — such as Berkshire Arts & Technology Public Charter School and Lanesborough Elementary — and he is reaching out to others this year such as Lee and Lenox.

"We have 12 restaurants and we are shooting for 20 to 25," Derby said.

 

The local fundraising effort is linked with two other plunges law enforcement officials are putting on across the state. 

 

Registration for the Onota Lake event on Saturday, Feb. 14, can be made here or at 9 a.m. that day. Plunging will start at 11.