Chief Castor, Reggie Roundtree and a Vat of Gelatin

For years, she's led the Tampa Police Department through high-profile criminal cases to security measures during the Republican National Convention.

Now, Police Chief Jane Castor is getting ready for another challenge: Plunging into a vat of gelatin for a good cause.

Castor is attempting the feat during an event from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on June 15 in South Tampa as part of a fundraiser for the Children's Cancer Center. She needs to raise $500 beforehand, and raised about $110 as of Thursday afternoon.

We recently talked to Alan Mock, marketing director for the Center, about how the fundraiser came about and what attendees can expect.

On the Children's Cancer Center: "Helping children and families cope, that is the mission of the Children’s Cancer Center, a local non-profit organization dedicated to serving Tampa Bay families of children with cancer or chronic blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia."

How Castor's plunge came about: "We had seen similar events held elsewhere in the country, and felt the fun and simplicity of it were a good match for our mission – people having fun to help people cope and give them hope."

On where the proceeds will go: "All proceeds will benefit the Children’s Cancer Center directly and help us serve over 950 families with 22 support programs."

For more information, or to donate, go to www.childrenscancercenter.org or www.crowdrise.com/gelatinplunge.