Warmhearted plungers bypass fundraising goal at 2024 Polar Plunge

By Marianne Mueller

REPORTER

As a large crowd of spectators cheered them on, nearly 500 brave, warmhearted souls plunged into Olson Lake in Rock Cut State Park on Saturday, March 2, all in support of the Special Olympics and thousands of athletes they serve.

Temperatures rose to nearly 61 degrees outside, marking one of the warmest days of the plunge since the first one. Water temperatures sat at around 34 degrees.

One of the teams who took the plunge was Tori’s Squad. Tori Humphrey is a 15 year Special Olympics Athlete who was joined by her family, each ready to take the plunge. This year marked Humphrey’s fifth plunge at Olson Lake. Humphrey was the 2023 Polar Plunge Ambassador.

This year’s event marked the 19th in Rockford of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge, and was organized by Katie Risely, Director of Development- Region A, Special Olympics. Risely was joined in this endeavor by Trent Geiger, Director of Sports for Special Olympics; together they make up the Region A team.

Geiger kept the action rolling throughout the event as he informed plungers and guests of specific logistics, and announcements of winners in various categories.

The event started out under a warm tent where plungers gathered prior to the plunge at a Pre-Plunge party. Music from different genres was played and food and beverages were provided.

Plungers who participated ranged from Rockford, Dixon, Winnebago High School, and Durand and Pecatonica who were represented by the Du Pec Football team.

Setting a mood for fun, many wore creative, and colorful costumes. Others opted for shorts and a top, team themed outfits, or swimwear.

Capturing great attention was a safe and well thought out police chase, all in good fun. The Knights of Columbus team dressed up as characters from “The Blues Brothers.”

Another team donned costumes with various condiments on them.

All law enforcement and fire departments received recognition for doing their part in Polar Plunge events.

Before heading to the beach, Special Olympics Ambassador Kate Nelson said a few words to get everyone pumped and ready to plunge.

Detective Lisa Hodges of the Rockford Park District sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem.

Plungers who raised $100 or more received a commemorative 2023 Law Enforcement Polar Plunge hoodie.

Susan Panozzo was the top individual fundraiser.

The top law enforcement team was Team Shrinkage of Dixon, IL. Police department.

The Polar Bear Paras were awarded as the team wearing the Best Costume for their Disney Prince, princess or villain theme. They also had the largest team with 45 members.

Christa Magnuson went from joining her work team to being the Co-team leader of the Polar Bear Paras team. “This is my 10th year plunging. In her position Magnuson did everything from picking a theme to getting her friends and co-workers to sign up to run into the freezing cold water.

“Everything was so exhilarating! We always strive for a bigger team and to raise more money!

Everyone came dressed up to win and we did… Now we cannot wait until next year!

The top fundraising team was Rockford Red Shots. Lisa Ballinger also earned best costume honors as the rhinestone cowgirl.

All together the Rockford Region Polar Plunge raised a total of $100,000, bypassing their goal of $75,000.

“We are pleased and excited to have hosted the 19th annual Rockford Polar Plunge at Rock Cut State Park,” Katie Risely, Director of Development Region A, Special Olympics Illinois said. “We could not have done it without the support from the volunteers and the community. Thank you to all of the plungers who came out to brave the cold water and to raise money for the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois.”

Special Olympics are the largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities.

All proceeds collected from Polar Plunges and other fundraising events will benefit more than 23,000 traditional athletes and 20,000 Young Athletes of Special Olympics of Illinois. The first Special Olympics games began via Eunice Kennedy Shriver on July 19-20 in 1968 at Soldier Field in Chicago. In the past 54 years these programs have witnessed great expansion.

First time and returning plungers are already making plans for the 2025 Polar Plunge!