Lemont Teens Participate in Chicago Polar Plunge

Each week, Lemont Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments.

We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid.  Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to Local Editor Amanda Luevano at amanda@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the information included below.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

A group of Lemont teenagers took a chilly dive into Lake Michigan earlier this month to raise money for Special Olympics Chicago.

Tony Barauskas, Stephanie Ballard, Sarah Ballard, Monica Butler and Zac Kelly — or "Team Ice Ice Baby" — joined more than 1,800 people at North Avenue Beach in Chicago on March 4 for the 12th annual Chicago Polar Plunge.

The group was also joined by Stephanie and Sarah Ballard's aunt, Felicia Moreno.

Together, they raised hundreds for the event, which collected more than $569,000 for Special Olympics.

Polar Plunge participants are required to jump into a body of water in the middle of winter. There are no age limitations, and the only requirements are that you raise at least $75 and wear anything but a wetsuit.

Although Chicago has had an unusually mild winter, Team Ice Ice Baby was faced with snow and 30-degree weather as they took their plunge.

Lemont resident Donna Butler, whose daughter Monica participated in the event, said the group had a "competitive, athletic and friendly spirit," despite the freezing temperature.

Related Stories: