When he signed up three years ago, Ted Rupert took it as confirmation that he was nuts.
After all, anyone willing to put on shorts and a T-shirt, get a running start, and hurl himself into the freezing cold waters of Lake Tahoe had to be crazy.
Yet for the last three years, Rupert has been one of about 50 people to take the plunge to raise money for the Tahoe Special Olympic team.
"My whole thing is whatever it takes to help the community, and anyone is welcome to join me," Rupert said.
The fourth annual Polar Bear Plunge in Lake Tahoe will take place at noon Feb. 10 at the Ski Run Marina in South Lake Tahoe.
"It feels like someone is socking you right in the chest. You can't breathe, you can't talk. It takes a few seconds for you to do anything," Rupert said. "It's better than having coffee in the morning. It really wakes you up."
But he said he takes the polar plunge every year, not for the bitter cold, but for the luncheon with the athletes that follows it.
"You see it in their faces how excited they are, and you get to learn who's doing which events," Rupert said. "It's instant gratification because you get to spend that time with them."
While the cold is shocking each time, Rupert said nothing compares to doing it the first year.
"The lake was really low, so to go under we had to wade out about 50 yards. The whole way out, people splashing behind you sends chills up your spine, and then you go under. When you come back up and have to walk 50 yards back to shore, that seems impossible," Rupert said.
Rupert even convinced his wife, Kristy, to take the plunge last year.
The money is used to provide uniforms, equipment and transportation for the children on the Olympics team. Any child taking part in all events pays nothing to participate.
"It came about because our headquarters in Sacramento bet me I couldn't pull it off up here in Tahoe," said Elaine Glasser, event coordinator. "We've got a lot of loonies up here who are willing to do it for us."
The plunge traditionally generates about $9,000 for the team.
• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.
You can help
Make donation checks to: Special Olympics Northern California
Mail checks to: Rupert's Auto Body, 2800 S. Curry St., Carson City, NV, 89703. Donations are tax deductible.