DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Nearly 400 participants braved the cold for Decatur's 25th Polar Plunge Saturday.

Participants took a dip in Lake Decatur after fundraising a minimum of $100 each, which will benefit Special Olympics of Illinois. 

As of Saturday, Decatur polar plunge raised $89,000 for Special Olympics Illinois, surpassing their original goal of $80,000.

"We have over 60,000 athletes that we serve with intellectual disabilities. So 100% of this money goes directly to benefit them, not only for sporting competition and training, but also to develop them as a whole person," Special Olympics Region 1 Director Joanie Keyes explained.

Donations can still be made online.

Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.