Remember the popularity of the viral Ice Bucket Challenge video fundraisers awhile back?

Well, we’ve got a polar challenge that makes that ice bucket look like a warm bath.

Kane County adults and Kaneland High School students are teaming up for a March event in which they promise to “be bold and get cold” for the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois.

Susan Deuchler of the Kane County Sheriff’s Office will be taking her sixth polar plunge along at 1 p.m. March 8, at Loon Lake in Silver Springs State Park, Yorkville.

“This is my sixth year plunging and have three special athletes in my life I am plunging for,” Deuchler says on her Special Olympics donor page.

“While I’m getting cold just thinking about it, I’m excited to join the thousands of warm-hearted individuals that will participate in the Polar Plunge. The cold I’ll experience is temporary; the positive impact this event makes on the lives of Special Olympics athletes across Illinois will last a lifetime!

“I need your help! No, I’m not asking you to plunge alongside me, but I hope you will support my efforts by making a donation to Special Olympics Illinois. Any amount is appreciated — it all goes to one ‘cool’ cause and gets me that much closer to my goal. Best of all, your donation helps provide athletes with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate in Special Olympics programs and reveal their inner champion.

“Donating through this site is simple, fast, and secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Illinois. If you would like to learn more about this ‘official event of winter,’ visit www.plungeillinois.com for all of the chilly details.

“Thanks in advance for your support — and don’t forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!”

Last year, the Kane County took home the award for top Law Enforcement Fundraising Team, raising more than $5,000, and also won best costumes.

“We need the public’s help to be the top cops again!” Deuchler said.

Polar Plunge 2015

• When: 1 p.m. Sunday, March 8, 2015
• Where: Loon Lake at Silver Springs State Park, Yorkville
• Team: Kane County
• Fundraising Goal: $5,000
• Online Donations: soill.donordrive.com
• Checks Made Payable To: Illinois Special Olympics
• Checks can also be mailed to:
  • Deputy Sue Deuchler #185
  • Kane County Sheriff
  • 37W755 Rt 38 Ste A
  • St. Charles, IL 60175