A deep freeze for good cause

There were hula dancers, semi-naked cowboys and a team of tough teachers donning T-shirts proclaiming "I'm Ready to Battle."

They gathered with others on the snowy bank of Nippersink Lake Sunday afternoon -- and all were ready to dive in for charity.

The second annual Polar Plunge at Lakefront Park in Fox Lake attracted 143 plungers and raised $30,773 for Special Olympics Illinois Northeastern/Area 2, which serves athletes in DuPage, Lake, McHenry and Kane counties.

"We had three times as many people as last year," said Nancy Rogers, director of parks and recreation for the village. "I couldn't be happier right now."

A team from the Fox Lake Police Department called, Ice Coppers, raised the most money, handing organizers a check for $2,855 Sunday. Lt. Jeff Norris raised the most on the team with $2,205.

Many of the plungers also participated in a costume contest, with the Grayslake Police Department taking the top prize for team costume with their Spartan outfits.

Tom Muehlfelder won the individual contest for his "Super Frog" costume.

Steve Woodruff, 22, of Wauconda decided 30-degree water should be accompanied by a Hawaiian shirt, hula skirt, flip-flops and a lei , so that's exactly how he came dressed.

"I should have brought a little brandy or something too, to drink," Woodruff said.

The plunge in Fox Lake Sunday was one of 16 being held around the state between now and March 8.

The next area event is set for 1 p.m. March 1 at Sunrise Beach in Lake Bluff. Another is scheduled at 1 p.m. March 2 at Twin Lakes in Palatine.