Photo by R.D. Weigel The launch

Photo by R.D. Weigel The next wave

Photo by R.D. Weigel Dogged returnees

Photo by R.D. Weigel Back: Taylor Brittanham and Melody McEnter. Front: Brittany and Laurie Demitt.

Photo by R.D. Weigel Judges Pat Richards, Larry Hill, Jerome Kramer, and Duane Deterding.

Dozens of otherwise sane individuals took leave of their senses to jump into the South Platte River Friday afternoon for a good cause.

FREE Mobile Banking NOW AVAILABLE!

Organizers of the 12th annual Ground Hoggy Doggy Shadow Splash said 80 people participated in the event, up from an estimated 75 in 2009.

The event, the brainchild of attorneys Russ Jones and Jim Paloucek, raised nearly $14,000 at the time of the jump.

With the addition of those donations, the series of Hoggy Doggy Shadow Splashes have raised more than $235,000 for The Connection, North Platte's homeless shelter.

The weather was fair and sunny. The temperature hit a high of 38 degrees about the time the hearty jumpers started splashing in the icy water.

The goal of the heartiest splashers is to wade and swim, if need be, to the other side of the river and return. Brave hearts also reverse course in midstream.

The Shadow Splash gives participants the chance to truss up in strange outfits, and awards were given for best team and best individual costumes.

J.C. Penney won the team award, and Chris Krull earned the individual honor.

This year’s judges were Pat Richards, Larry Hill, Duane Deterding, and Jerome Kramer.