ComEd’s Biggest Splash: Supporting Special Children’s Charities’ Polar Plunge
March 13, 2025
As bold plungers prepared to greet the frigid waters of Lake Michigan in early March, the shoreline of Chicago’s North Avenue Beach transforms into a vivid scene of unity and commitment in support of Special Children’s Charities (SCC) 25th annual Polar Plunge Chicago for Special Olympics Illinois.
Paul Smith and his daughter, Mikayla, taking the plunge
ComEd has supported Polar Plunge Chicago for 14 years and, this year, had over 700 plungers, making ComEd the largest team. Together, the group raised more than $342,000 for SCC. Few can match the level of enthusiasm held by Paul Smith, ComEd senior substation system operator at the Operations Control Center in Joliet, and a leading fundraiser for the ComEd Coolers plunge team.
“The Polar Plunge is not just about jumping in Lake Michigan to raise money for a great cause,” said Paul. “It’s about setting the tone for a year-long commitment to facilitate all the parts of the Special Olympic Charities that run programs all year long for children and adults that have those needs met with opportunities to live, grow, and feel included in society as a whole.”
Paul has plunged every year that ComEd has been involved, and for him, this event is a way to jumpstart each year with a theme of goodwill and dedication to helping others reach their goals. Paul said every year he reaches out to any and every person he can contact to support the cause. This year, his efforts raised almost $2,500.
Founded in 1969, Special Children’s Charities is dedicated to empowering inclusion for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the city of Chicago through their athletic, educational, and life enrichment programs. What makes SCC’s impact so powerful are the thousands of supporters who join together in plunging and raising funds that support year-round athletic competitions and engagement activities.
What started as a small group raising a few thousand dollars in 2001, the Polar Plunge has shaped into a signature Chicago tradition. This year, more than 4,800 plungers raised over $1.7 million. Every dollar raised is spread throughout Illinois to benefit local athletes.
“The fact that Polar Plunge has been so successful for so long allows us to sustain engaging activities year after year—these opportunities don’t go away,” said Amy Taylor, Executive Director of Special Children’s Charities. “These funds support opportunities that our participants and athletes have come to rely on, and have accessibility that isn’t offered elsewhere.”
In coordination with Special Olympics Illinois and the Chicago Park District, Polar Plunge Chicago proceeds are used to cover transportation costs, sports equipment, and the salaries of staff at the Park District dedicated to produce programming for Special Olympics. This allows for up to 25 different sports, cooking classes, art and music therapy programs, and special excursions like a ski trip to be free of cost to participants. The Special Olympics Illinois 2025 Opening Games will be held on May 1 at Soldier Field.
In addition to supporting Special Olympics Illinois, Special Children’s Charities is also committed to serving adults. An overlooked challenge facing those with disabilities is the cliff for available engaging opportunities once high school is over. A standout SCC initiative, the After 22 program, helps young adults transition out of high school by pairing them with vocational training, college coursework, or internships.
Watch the video above to relive the magic of plunge day, and support Special Children’s Charities by donating or volunteering your time. Be sure to save the date for the ComEd Coolers 15th anniversary on March 1, 2026!
