Hundreds of brave residents welcomed in the new year with a quick dip in the ocean on Sunday afternoon.

The polar plunge was hosted by the Huggins family to raise money for the hidden costs cancer patients and their families face, such as childcare, gas, parking and food.

Michelle Huggins said she wasn't sure the exact number of participants, but that she had 500 prayer ties at the entrance of Mattapoisett Town Beach and all of them were gone.

"At the entrance we give each person a prayer tie, so they can make a wish for the new year," she said.

The prayer ties were then tied to ropes that were strung from the tent to a lifeguard stand.

Last year, the event raised $10,000, and so far, it has raised $10,800 this year.

"It's a huge group effort," she said. "One hundred percent of the money goes to tri-town families with cancer diagnoses."

This year, the event added a DJ to amp swimmers up before running into the cold ocean.

It's the event's fifth year, and Huggins is grateful to see it grow year after year.

"It's an amazing act of compassion and kindness when people come out on a holiday," she said. "It just shows you that humans are kind in their intentions."

To donate, go to www.gofundme.com/PolarPlunge2017.