To support a great cause, caring people will throw caution to the wind and themselves into the icy waters of the lake at Sayers Dam.

The 10th annual Polar Bear Plunge on Dec. 1 will support the YMCA of Centre County.

Organizers hope to raise $45,000 from “plungers,” who are busy now getting sponsors.

A year ago, about 150 individuals took the plunge.

Organizers are shooting for 200 this year.

“Everybody has a great time,” said Mary DeArmitt, marketing and communications director for the YMCA of Centre County.

“Each year we get more and more spectators, people watching their friends and family members or co-workers plunging into that cold water.”

The leap into the lake near Howard will feature Little Dippers — plungers ages 8 to 12 — going into the water at 11, followed by the full plunge at 11:15.

“Last year we had 12 little dippers, and we’re hoping that grows,” DeArmitt said.

“And we’re hoping the little dippers grow into big dippers.”

Many of the plungers will be in costume. Last year’s groups included folks portraying the Village People, the Three Musketeers and characters from the Wizard of Oz.

Little dippers must raise at least $25 to participate.

For bigger dippers, the threshold is $75.

Plungers who preregister by Nov. 29 will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a flat-screen TV.

There will be awards for top money raisers and best costumes in both age groups. The top individuals will be honored, as well as the top groups or organizations.

Money raised will support the YMCA’s Open Doors program, which helps people participate in the YMCA’s programs even if they are facing financial hardship.

The YMCA of Centre County provided $312,000 in assistance in 2011, “and we’re well over that this year,” DeArmitt said.

She added: “We don’t turn anyone away because of their inability to pay.”

And they won’t turn away anyone who wants to splash around in the chilly waters at Bald Eagle State Park to support the YMCA.