Local youths take Polar Plunge to support athletes by Martha Quetsch Nearly 160 people in shorts and swim suits on a recent Sunday jumped into the icy waters of Yorkville's Loon Lake, an ironic name for the site of this seemingly bizarre act. They had all their faculties intact, however, and were willing to take the Polar Plunge on behalf of Special Olympics Illinois. Stacy Reever, of Elburn, said the Plunge is brief, but bitter. (From left) Lauren Pence, Stacy Reever and Kassidy Reever wade into the icy Loon Lake at Silver Springs Sate Park near Yorkville March 2. The Polar Plunge for raised money for Special Olympics Illinois. Lauren and Kassidy raised $580 for the cause. Photo by Ben Draper “It takes your breath away,” she said. The event March 2 at Silver Springs State Park was among 16 Polar Plunges taking place throughout the state between Feb. 23 and March 8, coordinated by the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Among others braving the chill were Reever's daughter, Kassidy, and Lauren Pence, both Elburn 11-year-olds. The cold will not prevent Lauren from repeating the experience in 2008, her mother, Kim Pence, said. “She is trying to talk the whole family into doing it next year,” Pence said. Pence said she would be “too chicken” to wade into a lake at this time of year, but was not afraid for her daughter. “I wasn't concerned about her safety; there were firemen and professional divers there watching everyone,” Pence said. Thankfully, the water was just waist-high, she added. The Polar Plunge and the Torch Run in June support programming for approximately 20,000 Illinois athletes. Reever started taking part in the Polar Plunge a few years ago because she believed the cause was worthwhile. “I also thought it would be a good challenge for me, because I am one of those people who is always cold,” Reever said. Participants raise at least $75 each in donations from friends, family members and co-workers in exchange for jumping into the water in the middle of winter. For this year's Polar Plunge, Lauren raised $100. She plans to exceed that amount for the 2008 event. Elburn police Department is gearing up for the next Torch Run, Elburn Police Commander Steve Smith said. Both Elburn and Sugar Grove police in the past have been among 3,000 law enforcement officers statewide to carry the Flame of Hope nearly 1,500 miles to the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games in June in Normal. 03/14/2008