March 17 was a cold, dreary, raw day. But it could have been worse. The weather forecasters had us anticipating driving rain and possible thunderstorms during the afternoon. It's bracing enough to jump into the icy waters off the coast of Maine on a sunny summer day. To do it on a cold gray March day, driving rain or no, is admirable. And when it’s done for a worthy cause, it's downright honorable.

Twenty people ranging in age from 5 to 60 did just that at on St. Patrick's Day at the annual Leprechaun Leap at Hendricks Head Beach.

It was the 17th time the event has been held, and event organizers Toby LeConte, special education teacher and Special Olympics coach, and Sue and Tom Witt said it was a success.

The only fundraiser for the Boothbay area's Special Olympians, the event originated one day 17 years ago when two local sisters, Julia and Amy Irish, told Tom Witt they would plunge into the ocean off Portland (or Old Orchard) if he would pledge $100 to benefit the local Special Olympics. “Then Amy said, 'Why don't we just do it here (at Hendricks Head Beach),'” Witt said. “I said, that's a great idea.” Witt said Amy Irish was 12 at the time. She's 29 now, and it has become an annual event.

The first event was on New Year's Day. Then it became the “Passion Plunge,” on Valentine's Day. Eventually it got pushed back to St. Patrick's Day.

Sue Witt said she was pleased with this year’s turnout. “I think that it being in March means that the weather may not be as bad as it would be in February. We've been lucky. We haven't really had a rainy day. We've had days when it was lightly snowing. I think last year it was almost balmy.

“You'll see a unique collection of folks going in the water, including some of the Special Olympians themselves.” Witt said. “The money raised goes to subsidizing the special ed. budget for Special Olympic events. It raises anywhere from three to six thousand dollars.”

Michelle Farnham showed up at the last minute. She said she used to be the aquatic director at the local YMCA. This was her first time doing the Leprechaun Leap. “I took care of a special needs girl, Catherine McClinch, who just passed away,” she said. “Her dad suggested I do this. Then he told me I could back out, and I said no. Not if Catherine's name is attached to it, I won't.”

You can still make a monetary pledge by contacting Toby LeConte at Boothbay Region Elementary School. Call 207-633-5097.