Kenilworth 'Polar Plunge' Raises Over $18,000 For Special Olympics

KENILWORTH, IL — Three teachers and more than 100 students took part in The Joseph Sears School's second annual "Polar Plunge" charity event Monday at Townley Field.

The event raised more than $18,000 for Special Olympics Illinois at the culmination of a weekslong fundraising effort by Sears School students and Kenilworth community members, according to organizers.

Over a hundred students, ranging from kindergarten to 8th grade, got doused with icy water after raising money to take part in the plunge.

“One of the tenants of our school community is encouraging students to be Compassionate Citizens," Principal Stephanie Helfand said in a statement. " This event is a great way for us to support this effort."

Monday's finale featured Kenilworth Police Chief Bryan Carlson, as well as three teachers who braved an icy dunk tank, organizers said.

“It was quite an effort by our students, staff, and volunteers," said organizer Joe Guarino, a board member of the Joseph Sears School Parent Volunteer Association. "My heart is full!”