Thank you for visiting my “Plunge” fundraising page. I am once again participating in the Super Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. Last year Dwayne and I were able to raise approximately $6000.00 for Special Olympics Illinois. This year we would love to out do last years total and raise $10,000.00 as a team. Special Olympics is an important part of our family. After my first son Cole was born with Down syndrome, Special Olympics gave us hope and a peek into Cole's future. We were able to see individuls like Cole succeeding and being independent. At a time when we were unsure of Cole's future Special Olympics gave us a support system. Instead of believing all of the things that others said he would not do, we could see otherwise. We are strong believers in the program and what it offers individuals with intellectual disabilities and also the support system it provides parents.
At this time Cole is not old enough to participate in Special Olympics. Cole does however participate in The Special Olympics Young Athletes Program. This program provides tools and curriculum to teach beggining sports skills to children between the ages of 2 and 7. We currently use this program at our home and love it. The first day we got the kit in the mail Cole's brother Owen wanted to open it an check it out. Of corse he then wanted to play with it. We took everything out and Owen and I began tossing a ball back and forth. Since Cole is also autistic he does not play purposefully and he does not really interact in a meaningful way with others including his brother, I thought for sure Cole would just sit and watch. As Owen and I played we caught Cole's attention. Soon Cole was standing by me, then sitting next to me as I played ball. He then reached for the ball and as he touched it we began to cheer, Cole's face lit up! In a matter of minutes I was able to back away and watch for the first time Cole and Owen play a game of catch. Cole and Owen were playing and taking turns like brothers should. It was wonderful! It brought tears to my eyes! We now have our "sports time" where we play with the Young Athlete kit at home to not only work on sports skills, but Cole is also learning communication, social skills, and basic skills.. Cole is learning from Owen (who thinks he is Cole's coach) and Owen is learning patience and that not everybody does things the same way.
I am asking you for a donation in any amount big or small to help Special Olympics Illinois and the Young Athletes Program. To reward your generosity, I’m going to join an expected 2,000 people statewide who will voluntarily jump into freezing cold water. I will plunge 24 times in the middle of winter as we take part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunges for Special Olympics Illinois.
To see a video I made about Cole click on the link to the left
To see more on the Plunge with pictures from last years plunge check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jx2aYup8rbs
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
Thanks for your support!! Please forward this on to anyone you think may be interested in donating.
Thank you so much to the people who have donated off line..
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Post 25.00
RM Post Realtors 20.00
Linda and Bill Hubbard 25.00
JPD Bake Sale 450.00
Smokie The Cat 30.00
Employees of Heyl, Royster, Voelker, and Allen Peoria, IL 300.00
Pat and Ron Svara 25.00
WJOL Listener Auction - $835.00 THANK YOU!