500 rush into icy Lake Zurich to help area families

You would think that an event asking people to run into the icy waters of Lake Zurich in early March would not go well. But the Purple Plunge fundraiser to benefit families of cancer patients has grown from 15 hardy souls to more than 500 on Saturday, its seventh year.

"It's important because it helps people take care of their loved ones," says Barry Bordenave, who started the event in 2014 after his wife Mary Jo succumbed to cancer the year before. "Families shouldn't worry about expenses (in that situation). Some have kids they need to feed."

More than $135,000 has been raised this year through donations and events. The money will be distributed to families in the Lake Zurich area that are supporting the care of a stricken family member. At least 117 families have received funds in the seven years that Bordenave and his host of volunteers have organized the event.

"It's good therapy," says Bordenave as he stands on the beach while groups shiver and rush past him into and quickly out of the painfully cold water. He is the last to enter the lake every year, and makes a point to shake the hands of the Lake Zurich Fire Department divers who stand chest-deep where the open water meets the ice.

A before and after party was hosted at Scoreboard Bar and Grill in downtown Lake Zurich with auction items, raffles and live music.