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 The Polar Plunge is presented by Law Enforcement Torch Run and
GEICO as an opportunity to support Special Olympic Athletes. As the
Special Olympics Illinois website notes, “Participants must raise at
least $75 in donations from friends, family and co-workers in
exchange for jumping into the icy waters. Each plunger receives a
Polar Plunge sweatshirt and entrance into a Post-Plunge Party, plus
the chance to win additional prizes for raising more money.”
In 2015, plunges will take place in 20 different locations. Last
year, the plunge in Logan County raised more than $30,000. For this
year, local contact Joanie Keyes says they are hoping to raise at
least $33,000.
 Team Lexie, sponsored by Eaton in honor of Paula Coffey’s
granddaughter Lexie, is the largest team with 43 participants and
was the top money earner last year. Team member Michael Parrish, who
has been part of the team for three years, said that in addition to
those who work at Eaton, several of Lexie’s family take the plunge
every year and Lexie gets to choose the shirt color for the team.
Mike Koke has been part of the team for the past three years and
says he plunges in order to support his coworker and her
granddaughter. Amber Phillips is also part of the team for the first
time this year, though she has attended the Polar Plunge the past
few years, and says she is participating to honor friends and family
with disabilities.
Those using the site for donations post:
I have committed to ‘be bold and
get cold’ for the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois by taking an
icy dip into the frigid winter waters! While I’m getting cold just
thinking about it, I’m excited to join the thousands of warm-hearted
individuals that will participate in the Polar Plunge. The cold I’ll
experience is temporary; the positive impact this event makes on the
lives of Special Olympics athletes across Illinois will last a
lifetime!
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Rod Clarke, who works at a local group home has been
taking a plunge for 5 years. As to why he gets involved, Clarke
says, “I've been involved with special Olympics for 20 years. Going
to a Special Olympics event is just a great experience. Nothing but
smiles.” Athlete and long-time participant Janet Finn
has posted on the donor site that she is “plunging for our friends
and other athletes.”
Dan and Fran Fulscher have been doing the plunge for several years
as well. Fran says, Dan was approached by Polar Plunge as the EMA
director to help secure a site for the plunge. They help coordinate
emergency response and set up. This was an "easy" yes for Dan and I.
We both hold a special place in our hearts for the Special
Olympians!”
Other groups include a team from the junior high led by Angie
Bonaparte, a team from the high school led by Michelle Ryan, a team
from Lincoln College led by Spring Hyde, and teams from the United
Rider’s MC, Zion Lutheran school, and Culver’s. In addition, Walmart
is sponsoring a team led by Cherokee Sydney and will also be
donating all the food.
The plunge starts March 21, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. at Lincoln Lakes.
Participants may register up until 7:00 a.m. the day of the plunge
and must check in between 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. [Angela
Reiners] |
