Park District Hosts Plunge Into Lake Michigan for Charity
Release Date: Jan. 30, 2008
HIGHLAND PARK, Ill., January 30, 2008— Chilly leaps into the lake have become wildly popular over the past several years, and now North Shore residents can join in the fun at the Park Avenue Beach/North Shore Yacht Club. The first annual Park Avenue Plunge will take place at noon on Sunday, March 16, 2008 (on-site registration begins at 10:00 a.m.).
Attendees age 16 and up can participate as individuals or teams of three, and are welcome to either wade in or take the full plunge. Prizes will be awarded for best individual and team costumes. Spectators and participants alike are invited to warm up by the fire or in the Yacht Club afterward to change, relax and enjoy food and hot chocolate (spectators must purchase their own food). The first 200 registered participants will take home a special keepsake. It’s recommended Plungers bring their own towels, robes and slippers.
“Honestly, you have to be a little crazy to do this, but considering the cause, it is well worth it,” stated registered Plunge participant and Park District employee Kathy Donahue. “I am really excited to have this opportunity to give back to the Park District where I work and the community in which the S.M.I.L.E. program benefits!”
Plunge fees vary according to level of contribution, ranging from $55-$105 for individuals and $135-$285 for teams registering on the day of the event. Participants can receive a $5-$10 discount by registering early at the West Ridge Center at 636 Ridge Road in Highland Park. Proceeds from the event will benefit the S.M.I.L.E. foundation, the District’s Grant-In-Aid program that provides financial assistance to community families. For more information, participants can call 847.579.3120.
About the Park District of Highland Park
The Park District of Highland Park, founded in 1909, operates and manages over 600 acres of land in 44 park areas, and offers approximately 2,800 recreation and seasonal programs. Facilities include an indoor ice arena, indoor tennis and racquetball complex, two recreation centers, a nature center, an 18-hole golf course, driving range, adventure golf, aquapark, beaches, boat launch ramp and yacht club on Lake Michigan.
###