Polar Coalers raise $15,600 for Special Olympics

If you knew the lyrics to “Sweet Home Alabama” and the actors who make up the cast of “The Big Bang Theory,” you would have scored at the Polar Coalers trivia night.
Organized by a group of Unit 1 School District educators, administrators and staff, the annual fundraiser benefits Special Olympics Illinois. This year's event raised $15,600, nearly $1,200 more than the year before.
Funds raised at trivia night are combined with individual donations before the group assembles to take a dip in freezing cold water.
This is the eighth year the Polar Coalers have participated in the annual Polar Plunge, a statewide event that raises money for Special Olympics Illinois.
Helping the group with its fundraising effort this year were the 200-plus people who took part in the Feb. 16 trivia night held at Cardinal Transport.
The evening started with remarks from Brittney Kaluzny, founder and president of Hope Helps, an autism awareness organization based in Coal City. Joining her was her 11-year-old son, Robert David, who has autism sensory processing disorder and anxiety.
Robert David spoke about his involvement in Special Olympics where he has participated and medaled in bowling, as well as track and field since he was 8-years-old. He highlighted his favorite activities, those he participates with and his coaches. He closed his remarks by leading the group in the Special Olympics oath.
After multiple rounds of trivia and three bonus rounds the winning team was determined based on total points earned. With 107 points the group known as The Cereal Killers took home top honors, followed by Team CJ with 102 points and coming in third was The Golden Ticket with 99 points. A total of 22 teams participated with over 200 people in attendance.
The Polar Coalers are set take the plunge on Saturday, March 9, at Leisure Lake in Joliet.