By Elisabeth Zarnoti '17

Spectators lined the shore of Lake Storey, standing in 30-degree weather to watch kind and courageous souls run, slip, fall, and become submerged into a shallow chunk of icy lake water during the 2015 Polar Plunge Law Enforcement Torch Run Series for Special Olympics Illinois.

Several Knox College student organizations participated in the plunge, such as Alpha Sigma Alpha and Beta Theta Phi, as well as many individuals from Knox. A total of 22 Alpha Sigma Alpha women took the plunge (pictured above), along with 20 participants from Beta Theta Pi. Together, both Greek organizations raised more than $3,600 in pledge donations.

In addition to the plunge into the lake, other fun features of the March 1 event included a snowman-building contest and a costume contest. Some attendees dressed up as characters from Frozen, while others dressed up in colorful Power Ranger bodysuits sporting matching tutus.

Knox student service organizations and special philanthropic events regularly advertise and promote service-related causes in the Galesburg community and beyond. The Kleine Center for Community Service had a team of student volunteers who assisted with campus outreach and promotion of the plunge.

Participation in the Polar Plunge, in particular, is important to Knox students. For example, for Beta Theta Pi, plunging together with new and active brothers is a way "to learn what philanthropy is and means [to others]" said Brennan McGlauchen ‘15, philanthropy chair.

Alpha Sigma Alpha's chair of service and giving, Emily Mooney ‘16, feels that "service and giving is very important to Knox. Many of the girls who are interested in joining a sorority do so looking to increase the amount of service they do [for others]. For our sorority, participating in the Polar Plunge is a big deal because we are supporting one of our national philanthropies."

With the donations raised from Polar Plunge, all proceeds are sent to Special Olympics, which offers opportunities for disabled individuals to participate in physical fitness activities and friendly competition.

In talking about the importance of community service, McGlauchen noted that service "teaches that there is more to life than just looking out for ourselves, and we have a responsibility to look out for our fellow brothers and sisters, as well."