An even 30 degrees spread itself along the shores of North Avenue Beach on Sunday, March 5. Winds were picking up, but the sun was warm. The sky was blue and spirits were high, perfect for the annual Polar Plunge.
“It’s been fun, but also very lucrative…a great way to raise money for those kids,” said Campus Minister Megan Coffey.
The Polar Plunge is an event put on by Special Children’s Charities and Special Olympics Chicago which raises funds for developmentally challenged adults and children.
“Both of those provide different programming events: sports, recreation, and different advantages for families and children that have developmental disabilities,” said Coffey.
All participants must raise at least $100 to be involved in the event, however Marist secured funds for 30 students to plunge. Within a few days, the plunge team was assembled.
“I know the money raised went to a great cause…I knew it was going to be a good experience,” said junior Michael Cushing.
Students gathered at the Marist Main Gym met by faculty chaperones Coffey and religion teacher Hayden Renier. The bus rolled out at 9 a.m. and arrived at North Avenue Beach 30 minutes later.
As students exited the bus, chaperones guided them to the front gate where they were met with the uproar of cowbells and celebration.
“The energy on the beach was electric. There were people cheering us on as we walked in which really hyped us up,” said junior Maeve Farell.
After dropping their belongings off in their assigned tents, RedHawks gathered beside each other and prayed the Memorare.
“We’re called to help others. It’s part of our faith,” said junior Erin Trapani. “I think it brought everyone together…It provided us all with a sense of unity.”
Sounds of bagpipes were heard as students jumped up and down to keep warm upon waiting for their assigned plunge time.
“Everyone there came together to support a good cause and we had fun while doing it,” said Trapani.
Nervous laughter and puffs of warm breath filled the air as students reached the front of the line. In seconds the group took flight towards the waves.
“I didn’t know we were running…I thought it was a brisk walk,” said Trapani.
Water and sand was everywhere. Squeals echoed out from numb toes, sandy socks, and high-speed winds. The water temperature was estimated at around a bone-chilling 34 degrees. Students rose from the surge, racing towards the shore.
“I almost fell…It was really cold. I lost my Croc,” said Trapani.
Students quickly grabbed their personal items, changed, and hopped back on the bus around 10:30 a.m. Despite the quick turnaround, the RedHawks demonstrated the importance of charity.
“Their actions can be impactful, such as plunging, raising money, being a part of something that’s bigger than them,” said Coffey.
Marist hopes to continue supporting the organization and potentially partnering with them again in the future.
“I’m not jumping in the lake for no reason…We’re called to do it,” said Trapani. “It’s an easy service opportunity, no heavy lifting, just a lot of energy.”
Marist students and faculty smiling and supporting the cause at the annual Polar Plunge
