Hundreds chill out in Palatine for Special Olympics

They arrived dressed as garden gnomes, superheroes and even bananas.

And if that weren't enough to make you question their sanity, they then plunged into the icy waters of Palatine's Twin Lakes in 20-degree weather.

Although that might appear crazy, they were "freezin' with a reason," as the saying goes.

Hundreds braved the chilly lake Sunday for the The Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Illinois North Suburban Cook/Area 18, which serves athletes with intellectual disabilities in north Cook County.

Dan Conley, director of technology and online resources for Special Olympics Illinois, said 350 registered for the plunge this year, 50 more than the 2014 plunge. With that many participants, he said, the event should hit its $120,000 fundraising goal.

Plungers leapt into an area created Saturday night by Palatine firefighters, who had to cut through 18 inches of ice to get to the water.

Among those taking part Sunday was a group of Bartlett police officers who dubbed themselves Rub-a-Dub-Dub. They donned bathrobes and hairnets, then armed themselves with scrub brushes before leaping into the lake.

"It's a great opportunity to give back to the community and help people in need and support a great cause," said officer Amy Jenkins, who was making her third polar plunge.

Another team member, officer Vicky Anderson, said there is no really good way to prepare for the plunge.

"You just get cold and then jump in," she said.

Anderson said the event not only helps a good cause, but also allows the community to see law enforcement members "as real people and not just as officers in uniform."

Officer Tammy Schulz shared one secret for surviving the experience.

"The trick is the less clothes you wear, the better off you are, because you're so wet when you come out, it freezes to you," she said.

Dressed as garden gnomes, replete with felt hats, were 8-year-old Avery Brooks of Arlington Heights, her mom, Karin Brooks, and their friend Corrie Lukkes of Mount Prospect.

Avery said this is her second consecutive plunge. Last year, she said, she was "freezing and ... running down the pathway screaming and crying."

For Lukkes, it was her fifth plunge overall and her third in Illinois.

"I work with kids with special needs, and it's just really important to me to be able to kind of give back to them in this way, and knowing a lot of my kids are going to become Special Olympics athletes is really cool, so I like to give back ahead of time," she said.

As they emerged from the water and raced toward a heated tent, the plungers said despite the cold they were exhilarated by the experience.

"It was extremely cold. I didn't know what to expect, first time here. This was an awesome experience, a great cause," said Art Blake of Lombard.

Those whose children enjoy Special Olympics appreciated the effort.

Anna Bossart of Hoffman Estates, one of the event's volunteers, said her 24-year-old son, Anthony, is a Special Olympics athlete who has participated in floor hockey, track and field and basketball.

"So many things he has gotten the opportunity to do that he never would have had he not been involved," she said.

Karen Geraci of Rolling Meadows, whose 22-year-old son, Tory, participates in power lifting, basketball, volleyball and golf, said Special Olympics has helped him grow and be part of a team.

"I think they're wonderful people," she said of the plungers. "Their support helps the athletes so much."