The Buffalo Polar Plunge raised a record $450,000.

Special Olympics New York says more than a thousand people took part over the weekend, helping to raise that money. It will help support the thousands of Special Olympic athletes across the state.

“The Inclusion Revolution is alive and thriving in Western New York,” said Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the students, families and community members who took part in this year’s Buffalo Polar Plunge, and for all of the people who supported them either by donating or volunteering. Each and every one of the 3,000 Special Olympics athletes we serve locally will benefit from this incredible demonstration of inclusion and generosity.”

Student teams raised a total of $140,000, led by East Aurora ($28,000), North Tonawanda ($26,000) and Iroquois ($20,000), more than $75,000 toward the total came in from corporate event sponsors, led by Towne Automotive Group ($15,000) and First Student ($8,000), the top fundraising team was Team SantaCon ($28,500), led by Brian Mack, who was also the top individual fundraiser ($18,000) and the top fundraising by a Special Olympics New York Athlete was Julia Harris ($1,750).

At this event last year, 800 participants raised $290,000.