ZEPHYR COVE, Nev. — More than 300 people are expected to take a plunge into Lake Tahoe next week as part of an annual effort to raise money for Special Olympians.

The “Freezin' for a Reason 2010 Polar Plunge” will take place at noon Saturday, March 20 at Zephyr Cove in South Lake Tahoe where hundreds of Nevadans and Northern Californians, each aiming to raise at least $100, are expected to jump into the frigid water.

During a time when funds are hard to raise from corporations, “we really rely on these funds to help our athletes throughout the year,” said Kirsten Cherry, the vice president of communications for the Special Olympics in Northern California.

She said the money will assist about 17,000 athletes in Nevada and Northern California.

The event last year raised about $53,000 and this year that total is expected to increase, said Joyce Whitney-Silva, the chief financial officer at Greater Nevada Credit Union who is organizing the event in Northern Nevada.

“It's very cool because with Greater Nevada three years ago we had 2 people and 12 in 2009,” Whitney-Silva said. “Now it's 55 people from Greater Nevada.”

Registration starts at 10 a.m. March 20, followed by a costume parade then the main event at noon, which concludes at 1 p.m. It will be followed by a “post-plunge” party at Montbleu Resort and Casino.

Special room rates at the Montbleu are available to all who attend the event. Call 800-648-3353 and mention Special Olympics, Polar Bear Plunge or Group Code STSPECO.

For more information, to support the entrants or to participate in the event visit www.sonc.org/polarplunge and click on the Lake Tahoe location or call Whitney-Silva at 775-886-1329.