Whether they beat cancer, knew someone who did or have a loved one currently battling the disease, hundreds participated in the fourth annual Freezin’ for a Reason Polar Plunge.

Held on New Year’s Day at Town Beach, the plunge raises funds for families to deal with the “hidden costs” associated with cancer treatment, said the event’s organizer Will Huggins.

Huggins and his wife Michelle founded the polar plunge after the family discovered how quickly costs not associated with direct treatment of the disease adds up.

While undergoing multiple rounds of cancer treatment, Huggins said he received help from friends and families.

Huggins said gas money for hospital trips, parking fees and bills were taking a toll on family finances while he was out of work and being treated. The donations kept the family afloat financially during that difficult time.

Friday’s plunge is his family’s effort to help others, he said.

“I’m seeing more and more cancer survivors and people who have received help participate every year, and to me that’s the best part of today,” Huggins said. “The community comes together and seeing more families and kids join means we’ll be helping others for years to come.”

Before and after the noontime dip, participants gathered around a bonfire on the beach and kept warm beneath a heated tent donated by Sperry Tents.

Also, Uncle Jon’s Coffee and Turk’s Seafood provided hot beverages and food for swimmers to savor.

The owner of Turk’s Seafood, Richard Pasquill, Jr., is a longtime friend of Huggins and member of Team I Will, an informal group of friends and volunteers that help run the event and raise funds throughout the year.

Pasquill said this year proved to be the largest polar plunge yet.

“It’s all about the community coming together,” Pasquill said, adding that word has spread about the event.

“We grew up in town and I don’t recognize half the people here this year which tells you how much it has grown,” he said.

Alongside the newcomers were those who have participated in the polar plunge since the start.

This year marked Hope Perkins’ fourth jumping into the icy water. She arrived with Happy Montague and Amy Perkins Henry who were dressed as Christmas elves. Joining them was Bob Lagasse who wore a Santa suit.

This was Montague’s, Perkins Henry’s and Lagasse’s first year at the polar plunge.

“We’re good friends of the Huggins and came out to support them,” Perkins said.

Huggins said the amount raised by the fundraiser won’t be tallied until later in the week, but in past years the figure has been approximately $10,000.

As of Friday afternoon, online donations listed on the group’s GoFundMe site totaled $2,360.

To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/FreezinInPoi. For more information on Freezin’ for a Reason, visit the polar plunge’s Facebook page.