Suburban fundraisers offer innovative ways to support a good cause

OK, so you have doused yourself with a bucket of ice water.

How about plunging into the icy waters of Lake Michigan or challenging yourself to a string of roller coaster rides?

While there are plenty of 5K runs for charity in the suburbs, other fundraisers planned for 2015 will give participants the chance to do something unique for a good cause. Here's a look at some of them.

Bathing in a slushy

Hundreds of people plan to celebrate New Year's Day in the coldest way possible. They're going to take a dip this morning in Lake Michigan as part of the 16th annual the Polar Bear Plunge at Waukegan Beach in Waukegan.

"It is a fresh way to start off the new year," said Julie Schneider, the manager of special recreation with the Waukegan Park District.

"It's like taking a bath in a slushy."

Hosted by the park district and the city of Waukegan, the event raises money for Waukegan athletic and scholarship programs for Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County.

More plunges

Two Polar Plunge events will support Special Olympics. The first is scheduled for Feb. 22 at Fox Lake's Lakefront Park. The other is planned for March 1 at the Twin Lakes Recreation Area in Palatine.

Coaster marathon

Six Flags Great America and Special Olympics are again teaming up to offer the Sept. 27 Coaster Challenge.

Participants raise money for the chance to ride up to the distance of a marathon (26.2 miles) on the Gurnee amusement park's roller coasters, including Raging Bull and Goliath.

Jennifer Marcello, director of young athletes for Special Olympics Illinois, said the Coaster Challenge was held for the first time last year. More than 20 riders participated in the daylong event and helped raise $50,000.

She also pointed out that some had no trouble completing the 27 roller coaster rides it took to reach the marathon distance.

"We had many people who did it by lunch," Marcello said. "They just sat on the roller coaster and didn't get off."

Homeless for a night

An annual event in DuPage County does more than raise money to help the homeless; it requires participants to experience firsthand what it's like.

During Sleep Out Saturday on Nov. 7, people spend the night outside at sites across DuPage, including yards and parking lots. They sleep in boxes, tents and cars.

"It is truly impactful when you sleep out overnight and it's 25 degrees," said Mark Milligan of Bridge Communities, the Glen Ellyn-based nonprofit group that organizes the event.

Others:

There is Naperville CARES' Karaoke for a Cause on Jan. 29, Elgin Area Organization of Motorcycle Riders' Little Angels Pledge Run on May 17 and Bloomingdale Chamber of Commerce's 50 Men Who Cook on Sept. 26.