Dressed in Hawaiian leis and shorts, Bedford father and son duo, Phil and John Desmond, braved the cold weather and water, all for a good cause at the ninth annual Penguin Plunge.

On Feb. 3, hundreds of people braved the chilly Atlantic Ocean at Hampton Beach to raise money for Special Olympics New Hampshire and the Bedford Bobcats swim team.

“When you jump in, it takes the air right out of your lungs,” said Desmond. “It’s not until you get out until you really feel how cold it is.”

Desmond’s 16-year-old son, Danny, was diagnosed with autism at age 2 and has been a part of the Bedford Bobcats Special Olympics team since it was formed about three years ago.

“It was the first opportunity my son had to participate in athletics,” said Desmond.

Two years ago, Desmond began collecting money for the team through the Penguin Plunge and this year his son John decided to get involved.

“I’m old enough now and I knew it was time for me to help out too,” said John.

Helping with John’s efforts were his three friends, Darek Robertson, Artie Murphy and Keenan Dillard, and all made the plunge as well.

“John has been my best friend since we were 5,” said Darek. “They’re like family to me and it feels good to do something for them because they deserve it.”

John and his friends spent their entire day on Saturday, Feb. 2, at the Bedford Transfer Station helping people unload their trash in exchange for donations.

They raised $853 that day and more than $1,000 on their own.

Desmond raised about $1,000 going to local businesses asking for donations. “All the money raised will go towards equipment, uniforms and defraying costs of going to competitions,” said Desmond.

On Feb. 3 just after noon, Desmond, Phil and friends, as well as a dozen other people from the community, including Lurgio Middle School Principal Ed Joyce and Vice Principal John Shuttinger, took the plunge to benefit the Bedford Bobcats.

Desmond said the Special Olympics competitions mean a lot to Danny, whose favorite event is track and field.

“It’s tremendous to see him enjoying himself at the Special Olympics events and he has made many friendships through the activities,” he said.

Both Desmond and John said the Penguin Plunge was a fantastic event to be a part of.

“To know you’re doing so much for a little effort really makes you feel good,” said Desmond.

“John and his buddies are already psyched to do it again next year.”

To donate, mail checks to Special Olympics, in care of Paul Desmond, 21 Middleton Drive, Bedford, NH 03110. Or donate online at firstgiving. com/johndesmond; firstgiving. com/keenandillard1; or firstgiv ing.com/darekrobertson.