350 participate in Polar Plunge fundraiser
Nice day for a swim? Just ask Tom Smith, Palatine Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) coordinator, who took a flying leap into the frigid waters of Twin Lakes in Palatine as a participant in the Polar Plunge fundraiser. Smith was one of over 350 brave souls who took the plunge on behalf of Special Olympics Illinois athletes.
"I originally challenged our volunteers to come up with $250 in pledges, and if they did I would take the plunge" said Smith. "But apparently they really wanted to see me suffer because we raised eight times that amount. A total of $2,000 was collected for the Special Olympics. I guess I didn't realize how many people wanted to see me to go jump in the lake."
Over 20 volunteers from the Palatine Emergency Management Agency/Citizen Corps assisted with the event helping out with traffic, parking and clean up duties. PEMA is widely recognized for their volunteer efforts in the community. PEMA's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT.) was recently recognized by the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce as the 2009 Community Organization of the Year and was also recognized by the 96th General Assembly of the House of Representatives from the state of Illinois for their " dedication and hard work" in the community.
Decked out in a bright yellow Palatine Emergency Management safety vest and matching stocking cap, Smith took the plunge as one of the last groups. This was done so that the PEMA volunteers working the event had a chance to see their fearful leader make his big entrance. "It was cold but it was not as bad as I had anticipated" Smith commented afterward. "This is a great cause and I would gladly do it again to help out these special athletes."
Besides those that volunteered to work the event, dozens of other PEMA volunteers showed up to lend support as Smith took the plunge. They arrived with cameras, video equipment and even medical supplies including an AED.
Palatine Emergency Management volunteers were also recognized in 2008 by the Palatine Park District when they were presented the park district "Community Service Award" for their volunteer work in the community during special events and disaster response.
For more information on emergency management and volunteer opportunities, go to the Palatine Emergency Management/Citizen Corps Web site at palatine-ema.org.
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