DEKALB – Over 160 plungers from the community, NIU Greek houses, and other groups raised money at the Huskie Plunge on Saturday in DeKalb. Special Olympics Illinois Region A Director Katie Risley said they were able to raise quite a bit for the organization.
“We are looking at over $20,000 and this helps our athletes locally. It allows us to do competitions and programs free and year-round for our athletes.”
The fundraiser is part of the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run and supports local and state competitions for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Pete Beale-Delvecchio, CEO of Special Olympics Illinois, also took the plunge alongside members of the Sycamore Police Department in a frigid pool set up on the football field.
“It was a shock, as it always is, but anything for the athletes, even if it’s a little windy today,” he said.
Leading the way were members of the sorority Alpha Sigma Alpha, who raised over $4,000. Over 160 participants braved the freezing weather to make the plunge.