(ABC 6 News) – The city of Austin plunged for pink in their annual polar plunge event, as part of the Paint the Town Pink campaign, to raise money for cancer research.

What started 14 years ago, has soon become a local phenomenon, and organizers say setting up for the event isn’t always easy.

“I’ve always known Austin is a great community, but asking for donations is so easy in this community, because people are so willing to donate,” said event organizer with Hormel Foods, Kirsten Furstenberg. “Especially when they hear ‘Paint the Town Pink,’ everybody just knows what it is, what it’s for. It’s a great cause and everybody’s so willing.”

Although it may be fun, the event comes with it’s own challenges.

The plunge almost didn’t happen, due to a lack of an organizer.

That’s where Hormel Foods stepped in.

“The process is a long process, but we got it done in two months,” said Crystal Steinbach, event organizer with Hormel Foods. “It starts from just getting a hold of people in the community who can volunteer.”

East Side Lake in Austin was buzzing with locals, all wanting to give back to a great cause.

“It’s a pillar of the community, they know it’s happening, they come out and support it, the donations come in,” said Steinbach.

“It’s amazing seeing the community just know what the plunge is, just know ‘Oh it’s today? Yeah we can come show support.’ And each year it’s a little different,” said Emma Tran, event organizer with Hormel Foods.

Receiving donations for the Hormel Institute for Cancer Research may feel good, but the best part about plunging for pink is the crowds of people just having fun.

“I just love watching everyone jump in and getting dressed up, no matter what the weather is, whether it’s 40 degrees or -30 degrees,” said Furstenberg.

Those who take the plunge say it’s an exhilarating feeling.

“You get out there and second guess every decision. Once you get in there it’s shocking at first, but once you’re running out [of the water] you’re like ‘this isn’t so bad,'” said Furstenberg. “Get those wet clothes off as fast as you can, and you’re like ‘wow,’ did it for a great cause and you raised from great money.”

Despite the warmer temperatures we’ve seen over the past month, these Minnesotans, are more than happy to plunge for a cause.