It was a wee bit chilly on St. Patrick’s Day, but that didn't deter 20 brave souls from leaping into the frigid waters off Hendricks Head in Southport on March 17. Celebrating the 14th Annual Leprechaun Leap, leapers and volunteers raised nearly $3,000 for the local Special Olympics, according to special education teacher and coach Toby LeConte.

For some, it was the first time taking the leap.

“I wanted to take the leap for all the kids,” said long-time Southport bridge tender Duane Lewis.

Dressed for the occasion, Lewis sported a leprechaun hat and a green shirt with rainbows. He even found the time to dance a little jig with Ramona Gaudette, Southport's most famous lunch lady, who has served the island community for 57 years.

With the wind-chill barely breaking double digits, some participants shivered at the starting line waiting for the opening remarks from organizer Tom Witt.

“It's the original cold water plunge in the area. There have been many imitators since, but this is our favorite because the money goes to the local Special Olympians,” Witt said.

Most leapers spent more time on the beach than they did in the water that day, but not Lewis. He gallantly marched into the icy depths, and when he emerged, the water seemed to glisten like gold. Perhaps it's a lucky sign that warmer weather is on the way.