Sisters Mia, 10, and Fallon Collier, 17, of Chicora run out of the Allegheny River during the Parker Polar Bear Plunge on Friday. More than 250 people participated in the annual New Year's Day fundraiser.

PARKER — More than 250 people welcomed the new year on Friday by diving into a chilly Allegheny River for the Parker Polar Bear Plunge.

The 10th annual Freezin’ for a Reason event was about more than the adrenaline rush that comes with running into freezing waters.

Bob Bowser, lead organizer, said the polar plunge raised more than $4,500 to benefit many charities, such as Camo Cares, Hunt of a Lifetime, Boys and Girls Club Along the Allegheny, fire departments and children in need.

“We see this as an opportunity to do something fun and to give back to the community,” Bowser said. “And everything went off without a hitch.”

People of all ages donated at least $10 to participate in the event, which started at the Parker City Boat Launch at 2 p.m. when air temperatures were hovering in the low 30s. Bowser said the water temperature was 39 degrees.

“It was an average year, temperature wise,” he said, comparing it to past events.

Several hundred spectators watched the plunge from the shore.

“We had 255 plungers and about two or three times that many watching,” Bowser said. “They were there for moral support.”

Bowser said the plunge has grown in size every year since he and his five buddies first dove into the water a decade ago.

“It was one of those things we just decided to do for a change,” he said. “From there we figured we could start collecting donations from it.”

Bowser thanked the volunteer fire departments that helped at the event, which has become a tradition in the small city.

It also featured vendors, food and entertainment.