MENDOTA – A large contingent of brave souls made a big splash while contributing to a great cause when they took a leap into Lake Mendota during the 2020 Polar Plunge on Feb. 29.

Presented by the Law Enforcement Torch Run and GEICO, the Polar Plunge is held each year to support Special Olympics of Illinois by taking a quick dip into the chilly water of Lake Mendota. The funds raised from the Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge® will benefit over 1,750 athletes that train and compete within Special Olympics of Illinois Region A.

Allison Nichols, Region A assistant director of development, announced that 302 plungers participated in this year’s event and they raised $63,742.77. The total number of plungers was an increase of 60 from last year.

“It was a fantastic event for our local athletes and pretty good weather too,” stated Nichols.

Participating local schools were Hall High School, St. Bede Academy, LaSalle-Peru High School, Mendota High School, Ottawa High School, Streator High School; Lighted Way and Lincoln School Mendota.

Participating local law enforcement groups were Illinois State Police District 17, State Police SWAT team, Mendota Police Department, DePue Police Department, Princeton Police Department and Sheridan Correctional Center.

Some of the highlights from this year’s plunge include: Gold Cool School – St. Bede Academy (most money raised); Silver Cool School – LaSalle-Peru High School; Bronze Cool School – Hall High School; Gold Plunger – Father Ron from St. Bede Academy; Gold Law Enforcement Team – Mendota Police Department; Best Costume – Lighted Way Leprechauns; Best Team Spirit – LaSalle-Peru High School

Kristine Shan, a student at Hall High School, was the 2020 Plunge Ambassador.

Nichols is excited to announce that next year’s plunge will be back at Lake Mendota on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021.