Maple Park Police Department ready to ‘take the plunge’ for Special Olympics Illinois

All across Illinois, brave souls are warming up to participate in this year’s Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Illinois. Events are scheduled in 25 cities across the state in February and March — including a big celebration in Maple Park.

On March 5 at noon CT, the “Chill’in With Our Gnomies” Polar Plunge team will host the “hose challenge” at the Maple Park Firehouse. Local firefighters will be blasted by the fire hose – sans gear – and the department that endures the longest will win. The team aims to raise $50,000 for Special Olympics Illinois.

Special Olympics fundraising experts, Colleen and Jim MacRunnels, are leading the charge.

For Colleen, it was a no-brainer to get involved with Special Olympics Illinois 20 years ago. She started fundraising for the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run when she was working at the Department of Corrections. When she retired, she and her husband, Jim, wanted to continue their involvement, so they reached out to the Maple Park Police Department.

“It’s a passion that’s grown ever since,” says Colleen.

Under Colleen and Jim’s leadership, the Maple Park Police Department has been the top fundraiser for Special Olympics Illinois in 2013, 2014, 2021 and 2022 – an amazing feat for a small department with only one full-time officer and a population of less than 1,500 residents.

And they’ve just reached a huge milestone: Since 2010, they’ve raised one million dollars for Special Olympics Illinois.

Colleen attributes their success to ties with the incredible Maple Park community. “It’s a grassroots effort,” she says. “We have a lot of community involvement which has made us so successful.”

Special Olympics Illinois athletes and their families are directly involved with fundraising efforts and have built lasting relationships with Maple Park businesses and residents. “People know

[the athletes] by name out here,” says Colleen.

One bar in town, Bootleggers, even has a wall of fame, filled with pictures of Special Olympics Illinois athletes.

“People are so generous and giving when it comes to Special Olympics,” says Colleen.

Chris Propheter, mother of multi-sport gold medalist and Global Messenger, Amanda Propheter, says Colleen and Jim are “instrumental,” not only in fundraising, but also in coordinating social and community activities designed with tremendous respect for athletes and their families. “They ask for nothing in return,” she says. “They’ve created a community of inclusion – we’re grateful to be part of their ‘family’ and proud to be part of the Maple Park Illinois Law Enforcement Team.”

Amanda is just one of many Special Olympics Illinois athletes that Colleen and Jim’s above-andbeyond fundraising efforts have benefitted. Special Olympics Illinois provides health and wellness training and leadership resources for thousands of athletes across the state.

For Colleen, it’s all about “the look on the athlete’s face when they get a medal or tell their story.” “Everyone should try and meet an athlete and treat them the way they want to be treated, treat them with kindness and help support them,” she says.

There are numerous ways to support Special Olympics Illinois and the Maple Park Police Department, with events happening all year long. The MacRunnels are gearing up for the Polar Plunge on March 5 and looking ahead to the Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference in October, where Colleen is organizing a silent auction. To make a donation for the auction, contact Colleen at (630) 715-7576.

To get involved with the 2023 Polar Plunge, donate to the Maple Park Police Department and any Polar Plunge team, or to learn more, visit plungeillinois.com.