fund-raising event for the special olympics chicago. the polar plunge involves brave souls going in to lake michigan despite freezing temperatures inside the water and below freezing temperatures outside. it was cold. i m not going to lie but it you fun. reporter: proceeds provide year around activities and events to 5,000 special olympic athletes. we feel the heart pounding today. reporter: with a great turnout, organizers are excited for what next year could bring. up just under 5,000 people plunging. the special olympics surpassed their goal, over $1 million. reporting from north avenue beach, diane pathieu, abc news. they got 4500 people to do the plunge. i used to do that. that i have done it in new york. it is invigorating. i m telling you folks, you would be shocked to do it. you dread it but once you jump in you feel amazing. why not use irish spring soap and take a shower to feel invigorated? that s one way you can do it. you can bring the soap with you in ther