Polar plunge raises money for Special Olympics

Even with temperatures dipping to freezing and snow making encore appearances this spring, Mal Rafter remains focused on summer.

The 46-year-old Villa Park resident certainly kept his eye on June as he braved bone-chilling waters of Lake Michigan a whopping 24 times one February night.

He was among roughly two dozen suburban and Chicago residents, including his brother-in-law Mike McDermott of Lombard, doing the overnight Law Enforcement Torch Run Super Polar Plunge near Northwestern University.

Other plungers that night included Algonquin police officer Chris Filippini, former Glen Ellyn police officer Mary Pocuis of Glendale Heights, North East Multi-Regional Training Facility Deputy Director Tom Reasoner of Lisle, and regional training facility employee Joe Schweihs of West Chicago.

"The lake was frozen solid. It was an unbelievable sight," Rafter said.

If that wasn't enough, Rafter joined roughly 200 other people who plunged into the water again in Lake Bluff a week later.

Rafter did the polar plunges -- despite the risk to his previously frostbitten feet -- to raise awareness and money for the Torch Run and Special Olympics Illinois.

"It was for a great cause," he said.

People with disabilities need and deserve to have the opportunity to not only participate but compete in sports, he said. The competition is healthy for them, not only for their bodies but their minds. It builds self-esteem and pride, he said.

"This way they can be involved in sports they love to watch. We can't take that away from them," he said. "Without these funds, it wouldn't happen."

Rafter has seen the benefits in a nephew who has Down syndrome. Participating in the Special Olympics meant a great deal to the 24-year-old when he was younger, Rafter said.

"I did it for him," said Rafter, a manager for a food service company. "I'm glad I did it. It was a good experience. When I got out, the only thing that was really cold was my feet.

"Your adrenaline is pumping so much you don't even think about lying down," he said, referring to the overnight event. "I'm going to do it again next year."

Adds fellow polar plunger Jeff Henson of Special Olympics Illinois: "It's a good, crazy fundraiser. It's not as bad as you think it's going to be.

"We're certainly grateful to everyone who participates," Henson said. "It enables us to allow our athletes to compete free of charge year-round."

The polar bear plunges and other events that have been held throughout the suburbs this spring aim to raise awareness and money for the Special Olympics Illinois and its single-largest fundraising event: The Law Enforcement Torch Run.

The annual intrastate relay has raised more than $12.6 million over 21 years, while increasing awareness of Special Olympics Illinois athletes and their accomplishments.

Roughly 3,000 officers, representing every branch of law enforcement in the state, from local police officers to FBI agents, carry the Flame of Hope nearly 1,500 miles through thousands of Illinois communities to the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games each June in Normal.

The debut Illinois run in 1986 consisted of fewer than 100 runners who raised just $14,039.93. By 2002, the event surpassed the $1 million mark.

Runners generated more than $2 million in 2006, making it the third highest grossing Torch Run program in the world, according to Illinois Special Olympics.

"The athletes love … everyone that supports them," Henson said. "They understand if it wasn't for these events, they wouldn't be able to train and compete. They're greatly appreciative."

Other recent fundraising events have included Tip a Cop at Red Robin restaurants April 12 and at Claim Jumpers restaurants April 24.

The Dunkin' Donuts Cops on Rooftops will be May 9.

For more on the Torch Run, visit Special Olympics Illinois at www.soill.org.

Polar Bear plunges

These suburban events were among the 16 Polar Bear Plunges throughout Illinois

• Super Plunge at Northwestern, Feb. 22-23, 22 plungers raise $43,383

• Evanston, Feb. 23, 87 plungers raise $52,000

• Lake Front Park, Feb. 24, Fox Lake, 137 plungers raise $31,870

• Sunrise Beach, Lake Bluff, March 1, 219 plungers raise $119,000

• Twin Lakes, Palatine, March 2, 132 plungers raise $46,458

• Loon Lake Silver Springs State Park, Yorkville, March 2, 132 plungers raise $52,608

Source: www.soill.org