St. Charles’ Polar Plunge

The St. Charles Police and Fire departments’ annual Polar Plunge returns to Ferson Creek Park on March 9, 2025. During the event, brave participants will take a chilly dip into icy waters to raise funds for Special Olympics Illinois programs and events. 

The event kicks off at 10 a.m., when members of the St. Charles Police and Fire Departments, along with their families and friends, will plunge into the Fox River at Ferson Creek Park, located off Route 31, east of Wildrose Springs Drive in St. Charles.

All proceeds from the event will directly benefit Special Olympics Illinois, supporting year-round sports training and athletic competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Last year, the Polar Plunge raised $17,415.69, contributing significantly to the total $28,168.01 raised for 2024 (as of November).

The fundraising event is open to the public. Community members are welcome to show their support by cheering on participants during the event. To support the St. Charles Polar Plunge team, visit support.soill.org, or form your own team. 

There is a minimum of $100 to participate. All attendees are strongly encouraged to carpool to Ferson Creek Park as parking will be limited. 

Geneva’s Polar Plunge

The Geneva Police Department will be taking the Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge challenge to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois.

Police officers will be plunging on Sunday, March 2 at Silver Springs State Park's Loon Lake in Yorkville. The public is invited to watch the festivities.

The Geneva Police Department is seeking donations from the community to meet its fundraising goal of $10,000. Donations can be made online by visiting the Police Department's Polar Plunge web page. All proceeds will go toward supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate in Special Olympics Illinois programs.

Last year, the Geneva Police Department raised a record $62,000 during several Law Enforcement Torch Run events. Geneva earned third place in the state for police agencies ranging between 25-75 officers in size.

For more information, visit the Illinois Torch Run Polar Plunge website. People also can contact Geneva Police Sgt. Brad Jerdee by calling 630-232-4736 or sending him an email.

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