Residents braved the 40 degree waters of Harry Wright Lake Sunday afternoon for the Manchester Township Municipal Alliance's inaugural Penguin Plunge. 

The plunge, subtitled Penguins with a Purpose, was held to raise funds for Regional Day School's prom and graduation. On Monday afternoon, donations topped $3,400, said Municipal Alliance coordinator Marianne Borthwick. 

Borthwick was the first plunger to hit the water.

"It was very, very cold," she said. "But it was OK. It was worth it. For those students, it was worth every minute of it."

Organizers said that they hope the event can become a tradition that grows each year.

Supporters included Regional Day School students, staff and families, township officials, board of education and public works, the Manchester's Police Athletic League and PBA 246, the township office of emergency management, Manchester Fire Department, and Whiting's first aid squad and fire department.