Frigid swim a worthy sacrifice at Polar Plunge

Editor's note: This story was updated to clarify that the Dario Frank is the top fundraiser for the event. Frank raised $1,841.

It was a small sacrifice to make, considering the rewards.

For a few seconds of being submerged Sunday afternoon in the icy waters of Fox Lake, thousands of dollars were raised for Special Olympics Illinois.

At the sixth annual Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge at Lakefront Park in Fox Lake, 314 people were willing to take that jump in return for $61,000 to help fund and support Special Olympics programs in the state.

“It's the best year we have had number-wise and money-wise,” said Susan Foege, director of Area 13 of Special Olympics, which covers Lake and McHenry counties. This year's event drew 100 more plungers than last year, she added.

The weather was less than polar, with sunny skies and temperatures well above freezing. But there was still some snow on the ground, along with a lot of mud.

The snow and plungers clad in bathing suits made for an odd contrast. Even odder were the plungers bedecked in costumes, such as the bunny ears and velcro-attached bow-ties worn by team calling itself Disco Bunnies.

The group was among those winning commemorative plungers in various fundraising categories.

“It's (bleeping) cold,” said team member Matt Hoadley of Lake Villa as stepped out of the water. When asked why they were wearing bunny outfits, he said, “Why not?”

Each year, law enforcement is a major participant in the event, and this year was no different, with the Mundelein Police Department earning top honors for law enforcement agencies by raising more than $3,500.

Undaunted by the icy waters, team member Lori Smith said, “It's beautiful.”

Smith, who said her nephew is in Special Olympics, added, “It's for a great cause.”

The top individual fundraiser was Dario Frank, who raised $1,841.Niki Warden of Fox Lake was the second-highest fundraiser with $1,825.

“I know so many people that are in the Special Olympics, that are not only just coaches, they're the Olympians,” said Warden, who is on the Polar Plunge committee. “It is just very moving and amazing how many people want to come out and support.”