Sullivan's Island Plunge is Sunday

New Year’s revelers will charge into chilly Sullivan’s Island water on Sunday for the annual Polar Plunge to ring in 2012 and to raise thousands for the Special Olympics.

The celebration begins at 10 a.m. when plungers begin to arrive at Dunleavy’s Pub. The charge into the water is at 1 p.m.

“Last year we had 3,000 people in the water,” said Jamie Maher's, whose family owns the pub and has organized the Plunge for 18 years. “We raised $47,000 last year, and that was our best year. We’re really hopeful we can break $50,000 this year.”

The Dunleavy-Maher family dons white tuxedos each year as they guide the plunge and head into the water themselves. The suits are donated this year by David’s Tuxedos. Roughly 10 family members will be on hand, Maher said.

“It’s just a whole lot of fun and it helps a great cause,” Maher said. “There’s no entry fee, but Special Olympics has a tent set up and they will pass buckets. You can give $5 or as much as you can.”

A large crowd is expected, since Sunday’s high temperature will reach the low 70s. There is no registration form or sign-up to participate. More information is available online.