Polar plungers brave frigid water for a good cause

Chatham Valerie Cowen said: "I do" 12 years ago in her wedding dress. On Saturday, she plunged into Lake Springfield wear the same wedding dresses.
If it is a good thing, she says, why not?
Approximately 275 people, including many in costume, ran into Lake Springfield Saturday afternoon for the law enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge to 4179 annual Knights of Columbus, 141 N. Lakewood Drive in Chatham.
Many divers collected a minimum of $ 75 in donations to support Special Olympics programs in Illinois. About 20 similar events are planned by the State.

Last year, Springfield's jump increased $ 64,000, according to Darrin Burnett, Regional Director for Special Olympics Illinois. Total fundraising for this year were not immediately available, he said.
Although no one checked the water temperature on Saturday, Burnett said it was probably in the 30's or low 40-year high. The air temperature was in the mid-30s, but the 10 - to 15-mph wind made the impression of about 10 degrees colder.
As in previous years, was one of the first piston Chad Underwood, who was diagnosed with autism at age 3 years.

After Underwood's sister, Christina Hoffmann, raised his brother with the promise of money, running into the lake, when people took part in a 5K Run / Walk a mile before the jump.
In five years, Underwood has more than $ 12,000 raised for the program, she said.
"Special Olympics has many great opportunities for my brother made available and allows him to things we never thought it would be able to do," said Hoffman. "This fundraiser is a fantastic c is great fun for all."
In fact. People either Saturday in costumes, super hero or as Santa Claus, or topless in the opposite direction with a dip in the lake. A diver was also on the lake for about 10 minutes into the memories of swimming (commonly known speedos) before freezing in the water.
George Shannon, with 15 other colleagues for the Illinois Criminal State laboratory, each wearing costumes that read "lab rats". The holding company includes a lab coat and ears of rats and false nose.
George said it was his first appearance in the autumn. Despite his trembling hand still 15 minutes after immersion in the water, he said it was worth it.
"That's all for a good cause and lots of fun," George said.
The event was personally responsible for most divers.
Samantha Parker, 17, said of Pleasant Plains, his 5-year-old sister, Dawn Parker-Harley, was diagnosed with Down syndrome. She said her sister planned to participate in the Special Olympics later this year.
In honor of Harley-Aube, Parker said she dressed like a princess. Members of the family they come in dressed as a knight jump and fool, she said.
"It's our way of trying to change the life of a princess," said Parker.