Submerge yourself in the ice-cold waters of North Avenue Beach, raise some funds and express your inner fearlessness at Chicago’s 12th Annual Polar Plunge.
This year, more than 2,000 people, many in costumes, are expected to take the ‘plunge’ benefiting the Special Olympics Chicago and Special Children’s Charities, March 4.
Plungers will run in groups of 30 at their chosen start time of: 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., or 11:30 a.m. Their five-minute wave experience starts with running down a shoot on the sand, in one direction from North Avenue Boathouse, to jump in the lake. Next, they can splash around or plunge as deep, and as many times as they’d like.
“To date, no one has plunged more than once,” said Susan Nicholl, executive director of the Special Olympics Chicago and Special Children’s Charities.
After braving the wintry Chicago waters, plungers are treated to photo-ops, souvenir t-shirts, warm towels and heated tents to get dressed in. The event concludes with an admission free ‘Melt Down Party’ offering free food and a cash bar.
This national fundraiser started “popping up 12 years ago as a necessary creative way” to fundraise by the Special Olympics organization, said Nicholl.
The event has grown tremendously over the years; from the first event that was attended by 100 well-meaning Chicago Park District employees. Presently, more than half of the event plungers have done it before. The rest are recruited by friends or through word of mouth.
Plungers are required to raise at least $125.
“People always say: ‘You know you’ve always wanted a chance to tell me to go jump in the lake. Well, here is your chance, but you are going to have to pay me.’ It’s kind of a fun feeling,” said Nicholl,
The organizers work well in advance with the Chicago Park District and various city departments planning the event. For the safety of the public, the layout of the event is made public and rules are strictly enforced.
Wrist bands are issued to each plunger. Everyone has to sign waivers and wear shoes when they are heading down the sand, just in case there is ice or debris on the sand, and all groups are accompanied by safety divers. This attention to safety has prevented injuries.
“Everyone is great about following the rules,” said Nicholl. “[They] do it because it gives them a memorable experience. It gives them a lifetime of bragging rights. It’s definitely athletes.”
Collectively, the funds raised go a long way in making a vast difference.
“Our numbers are ahead of last year, so fingers crossed,” said Nicholl. “We say that everyone is note.” said Nicholl.
Plungers 16 years and older may register individually or as a group. Parental permission is required for anyone under 16 years.
The 2012 Chicago Polar Plunge is supported by: Commonwealth Edison, Microsoft Store, Potash Markets, Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants and Events, and the Score 670AM and WXRT-FM.
Prizes will be awarded for: Top 3 overall fundraisers; Team raising the most funds; Best group costumes; and Top 3 individual costumes
For more information on the Chicago Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Chicago, please call 312-527-3743; or email scc@sochicago.org.