Thank you for visiting my "Plunge" fundraising page.  I'm collecting pledges from family, friends, co-workers and anyone else who wants to support Special Olympics Illinois athletes. Your donations will help provide special needs athletes the opportunity to participate in sports training and competition.

As many of you know, my son Max (pictured here in his basketball uniform) used a walker until he was four years old because of all the surgery he had. For the last three years, Max has participated in basketball, bowling, golf, t-ball, tennis, track & field, soccer and volleyball.  There is no charge for any of these sports.

It came to my attention last week that contributions to Special Olympics Illinois have recently dropped drastically due to current economic conditions.  The Polar Plunge is the second largest fundraiser in our region.  I wanted to do something to make it first because Max's participation in Special Olympics has done so much for him.   

To reward your generosity, I'm going to join over 2,600 people statewide who will voluntarily jump into freezing cold water in the middle of winter as we take part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunges for Special Olympics Illinois.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to the Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Illinois. 

Come see me freeze on March 1st at Twin Lakes in Palatine.  The fun begins at 1PM. To get there, take Interstate 290/53 North.  Exit Northwest Highway west (right at bottom of ramp).  Turn right on Wilmette Drive (first right after the Indigo Hotel).  Turn right on Twin Lakes Drive.  Don't forget your camera, it may be the only time I ever do something this crazy!

Many thanks for your support -- and please forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

Rudy Geilim