Amanda Mika of Gurnee, in a tutu, also wears a big smile at the 25th Annual Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge Monday at Waukegan Municipal Beach.
A record number of likely more than 515 participants plunged into chilly Lake Michigan waters in Waukegan Monday for the 25th Annual Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge.
The annual “Freezin’ for a Reason” charity event raises money for the Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County – Waukegan, helping individuals with disabilities participate in camps, athletics and health and fitness programs.
“It’s been amazing. It’s exciting that it’s been around this long,” said Kari Robinson, a special recreation supervisor with the Waukegan Park District. “It’s always a fun way to start off the New Year, and families love this event.”
Waukegan native and 1999 Waukegan High School graduate Jo Ann Flores-Deter of Evanston has participated in all 25 plunges, she said.
“I’m so excited to be here,” Flores-Deter said gripping a large bedazzled candy cane with other participants and waving a plunger.
Organizers hoped to raise $14,000 with Monday’s event. Pre-registration rates were the highest recorded, officials said.
“Not only is it a great fundraiser, but it’s fun to come out and watch people participate in the community,” said Waukegan Mayor Ann B. Taylor.
Waukegan resident John DiNicola’s cigar remained intact as he exited Lake Michigan Monday at Waukegan Municipal Beach as part of the 25th Annual Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge.
Waukegan native Jo Ann Flores-Deter of Evanston grips a plunger and eagerly awaits her chance to dip into Lake Michigan as part of the 25th Annual Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge Monday.
Dressed in pink as Ken from the “Barbie” movie, Mundelein’s Lance Nalezny emerges from Lake Michigan at the 25th Annual Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge Monday at Waukegan Municipal Beach.
Mundelein resident Lance Nalezny dressed as Ken from “Barbie” for his dive into Lake Michigan Monday as part of the 25th Annual Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge.
A horde of swimmers emerge from Lake Michigan at Waukegan Municipal Beach Monday as part of the 25th Annual Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge.
Families and friends from all over the suburbs, like Beach Park father and son Chuck and Flynn Castellanos, from left to right in matching shirts, participated in Monday’s 25th Annual Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge at the city’s municipal beach.
Waukegan Mayor Ann B. Taylor stays warm and uses her phone to record participants frolicking in Lake Michigan as part of the 25th Annual Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge Monday at the city’s municipal beach.