La Grange Park families have a reason to celebrate: students and staff at Park Junior High School raised $24,820 for Special Olympics Illinois — more than eight times their original goal — through a school-grounds Polar Plunge held on Friday, February 20, 2026. That money will go directly toward sports programs and year-round opportunities for Illinois athletes with intellectual disabilities, many of whom live right here in the Chicago suburbs.
A School-Wide Plunge for a Powerful Cause
The event was Park Junior High's first-ever "Cool School" Polar Plunge, part of the statewide Special Olympics Illinois fundraising program. A total of 64 people took the plunge on school grounds: 49 students and 15 staff members. Community members gathered around 2:45 p.m. to cheer on the plungers as they jumped into cold water for the cause.
The school made it easy for every student to take part. An "Angel Fund" was set up to help students who came close — but fell just short — of their individual fundraising goal still get the chance to plunge. Every participant who completed the plunge received an official Polar Plunge sweatshirt as a thank-you for their efforts.
The Organizers Behind the Effort
The event was co-organized by Kathleen Galske and Geri Pasieka, who coordinated the school-wide effort from start to finish. The school had set an original fundraising goal of $3,000. By the time the plunge was over, the total had climbed to $24,820 — a result that surprised even the organizers.
"If you are a plunger, if you are a supporter, if you've made a donation, if you're cheering, you're a part of this!" said Geri Pasieka, Polar Plunge co-organizer. "You're making our school proud, you're making our students proud, and, most importantly, special education students in Special Olympics proud. You're giving us something truly from the heart. We really appreciate you. Plungers, we really appreciate you."
What the Money Means
Special Olympics Illinois supports more than 22,600 individuals with intellectual disabilities across the state, offering year-round training and competition in 19 Olympic-style sports. The funds raised by Park Junior High will help keep those programs running and growing for athletes who depend on them.
LaGrange School District 102 shared a post-event recap on March 13, 2026, describing the plunge as more than a fundraiser — calling it a moment of unity, inclusion, and leadership for the entire Park Junior High community.
Want to Help?
The Special Olympics Illinois donation platform is still active. Anyone who wants to support athletes with intellectual disabilities in Illinois can make a contribution at support.soill.org.
