Hundreds of people take icy Lake Michigan plunge

Several hundred people in Chicago have taken a leap into an icy Lake Michigan.

It might have been 20 degrees outside, but the annual Polar Bear Plunge was for a good cause.

WBBM radio reported that the money raised will go to help the family of a sick child and a marathon runner who was struck by a car.

The event was put on Saturday at Oak Street Beach by the Lakeview Polar Bear Club.

Organizer Stacy Monahan calls it charity that “hits a little bit closer to home,” noting that the money raised helps local people.

But some were just out to have a little fun. One man said he and his friends all had American flag speedos — reason enough for them to take the plunge.