Hundreds take the plunge into chilly Fox Lake for Special Olympics

Although the mercury reached 60 degrees across the suburbs Sunday afternoon, the chill of winter remained below the surface of Fox Lake, into which about 300 people jumped Sunday to raise money for Special Olympics athletes.

The 2016 Fox Lake Polar Plunge was presented by the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and GEICO. Each participant had to raise a minimum of $100 in donations from friends, family and co-workers before getting the opportunity to take the frigid dip.

Thousands participate in similar plunges each year at more than 21 locations across Illinois. According to Special Olympics Illinois, proceeds collected will benefit 22,000 traditional athletes and 21,000 young athletes served by the organization.

Heading into Sunday's event, more than $52,000 had been raised through the events this year.