Cold Water, Warm Hearts

Thousands of crazy people took a dip into Lake Michigan’s icy waters on Sunday, all for a good cause. The 26th annual Polar Plunge at North Avenue Beach drew in around 4,300 swimmers, who braved 34°F water to raise funds for Special Olympics Illinois.

A Chilly Morning

The event, which kicked off on a morning with temps in the high 20s, saw participants donning everything from swimsuits to ridiculous costumes. And we mean ridiculous – think leprechauns and The Lorax.
According to the event organizers, the plungers managed to raise around $1.5 million of their $2 million goal. Not bad for a bunch of nuts who willingly jumped into freezing water.

It’s All About the Cause

The money raised will go towards supporting inclusive recreation and life enrichment programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As Amy Taylor, executive director of Special Children’s Charities, put it, ‘every dollar we raise stays in Chicago, and it goes towards helping folks who need it’.
The event saw a wide range of participants, from preschoolers to retirees, all taking the plunge for a good cause. Even some local celebs showed up, including cast members from ‘Chicago Fire’ and ‘Chicago Med’.

No Big Deal, Just a Freezing Lake

For some, like 67-year-old Mary Dina, it was their first time taking the plunge. And, honestly, it’s not like she’s going to forget it anytime soon. ‘I decided I was never going to do bungee jumping or parachuting, so I decided this would be my crazy,’ she said.
Others, like 29-year-old La Trell Washington, are old hands at the Polar Plunge. This was his fifth time, and he even showed up in a ‘Star Wars’ Stormtrooper costume.
So, if you’re feeling inspired (or just plain crazy), you can still donate to the cause until the end of the month.