WILLIAMSPORT, Md. — Hundreds of people are chilling for charity in Williamsport.

The New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge into the Potomac River has become the biggest annual fundraiser for the Humane Society of Washington County.

Last year, 388 people braved the icy water and raised $18,000.

Hagerstown dentist Ed Beachley has done it more than 10 times. He tells The Herald-Mail newspaper that people who try it either get hooked or say it’s the stupidest thing they’ve ever done.

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