Hyattsville Police Chief Douglas Holland and his daughter Desiree are braving the frigid waters of the Chesapeake Bay for a cause that's near to their hearts --Special Olympics Maryland.

The Hollands' goal this year is to raise $10,000 for the 2011 Plungefest Super Plunge that begins on Friday.

Holland said the pair has met their individual goal, but that the overall team and event is still in need of support to meet the overall goal.

Desiree Holland, 36, has competed with Prince George’s County Special Olympics for more than 25 years and took part in the 2007 International Special Olympics Summer Games in Shanghai, China. Holland won the silver medal in the 5-kilometer cycling competition.

The Super Plunge will take place at Sandy Point State Park, 1100 East College Parkway in Annapolis, and the final plunge will take place before the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge on Saturday.

Donations can be made online at www.plungemd.com.  Go to “Donate” and then “Sponsor a plunger.” Type in “Doug Holland” and then follow the prompts.  Donations by check should be made to SOMD with a note to sponsor “Doug and Desiree Holland” and mailed to SOMD 513 Progress Drive, Suite P, Linthicum, Md. 21090.

The Hollands' plunging begins on Friday.  The first of 24 hourly plunges starts at 10 a.m. and they continue through 10 a.m. on Saturday.  

If you want to visit the Hollands' tent on Friday you can drive into the parking lot at Sandy Point and walk to their tent.  Visitors are welcome until midnight.  If you go on Saturday be prepared to take a shuttle because of crowding due to the main onetime plunge.