What great cause made people leap into this crazy-cold NJ lake Saturday? (PHOTOS)

The annual Leap in the Lake at Lake Hopatcong is supposed to be brisk. No one would schedule it for February if they intended otherwise?

But mid-day temperatures in western Morris County were somewhere under 20 degrees Saturday, and windchills dipped down into the single digits. If you're going bare-chested into a frozen-over lake in weather like that, you'd better have a good reason.

The hundreds of people who took part Saturday did.

Leap in the Lake benefits local programs for children with special needs via Lake Hopatcong Elks Youth Programs & Special Children's Committee. Among the programs it funds is Camp Moore, specifically designed for kids with disabilities.

Each participant was required to make a $50 tax deductible donation (which included admission to an after-party). The Elks reportedly raised about $50,000 through the event.

Those who'd still like to donate without freezing their keisters off can do so online, from the warmth and comfort of their own homes.