$43,000 Raised at 2025 Effingham Polar Plunge

Despite a cold day and even colder water, the 2025 Special Olympics Illinois Polar Plunge was a big success. $43,000 was raised from this year's Plunge.

Even though the water temperature at Lake Sara Beach was 33 degrees, plungers took a dip to fulfill the pledges they had collected.

Thanks to our own Michelle Carman for taking the plunge. Tonya Siner was there with Facebook Live updates. This was our first year as a Gold Sponsor for the event.

Here are a few photos Greg Sapp collected from Saturday's plunge...

First, a shot of Michelle just after her plunge...

Special Olympics Executive Director Vanessa Duncan, as always, was the final plunger of the day...

The team of Effingham City Police and Effingham County Sheriff's Office was back for another year with everything from Michael Myers to The Joker to Coach Ditka...

While the event benefits Special Olympics, many Olympians took the plunge, as well...

We will try to add photos on Monday.