More than 80 people donned bikinis, swim trunks, police uniforms and even a penguin suit on Sunday to kick off 2012 by plunging into the frigid waters of Lake Sammamish.

“It takes your breath away, and then you don’t feel much else,” said Kacey Williams, who participated in Redmond’s sixth annual Polar Bear Plunge for the first time with 14 of her friends and family members.

Participants braved chilly gusts of wind and 45-degree water at Idylwood Beach Park for more than just an icy shock – they raised a total of $11,000 for Special Olympics Washington.

The Redmond Police Department helped organize the event as a part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run campaign, a nationwide grassroots movement where police officers coordinate events to support Special Olympics athletes.

City of Redmond Parks and Recreation and Redmond Town Center Security also sponsored the event.

“It gives people a chance to get outside, enjoy our city, meet our neighbors and raise money for a good cause,” said Lt. Tim Gately of the Redmond Police Department. Nine police officers and several Redmond firefighters also took the plunge.

Ken Kieffer, a seasoned participant, drove all the way from Gig Harbor. But the 55-mile car ride was a relatively short trip for him as he has traveled thousands of miles to volunteer at Special Olympics competitions in Dublin, Ireland, and throughout the country. His commitment to the organization started after the 62-year-old attended a Special Olympics track meet in college.

“I got inspired, and I get more inspired every time,” he said.

As for the plunge? Keiffer first jumped into frigid water on New Year’s Day 15 years ago and has run into Lake Sammamish each of the past four years, so the cold water isn’t much of a shock.

“The colder the better,” he said. “I’m from Wisconsin.”

Special Olympics athletes also participated, including Christine Cech. The 22-year-old softball and basketball player said despite the wind and cold water, she planned to do it again next year.

“I’m okay with the cold,” she said.

In case you missed the New Year’s plunge, several other plunges in support of Special Olympics Washington will be held throughout the state over the next few months, including one at South Lake Union on Feb. 11. For more information about the events and Special Olympics Washington, go to www.sowa.org.