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Seventy-two people jumped into Lake Michigan from the Lake Forest shoreline at the first Shamrock Shivers Polar Plunge on Sunday.

The idea for the plunge came from Pam Gracyalny, executive director of Lake County Cares, which held the event to raise money for its programs.

“I’ve helped organized them in (Chicago) for small animal rescue groups,” Gracyalny said. “I started here in November. I thought we would try it.”

The city of Lake Forest made arrangements to have rescue divers and paramedics on hand at Forest Park Beach, while Lake County Cares supplied the all-important towels and hot chocolate for participants.

The Polar Plunge had raised $9,500 as of noon on March 13, Gracyalny said, although donations are still being accepted.

Lake County Cares, which has its offices in the Gorton Community Center, helps with immediate needs such as hunger, homelessness and helping seniors, said Gracyalny. It also helps other nonprofits with its volunteer corps.

Swimmers sprint for the water at Forest Park Beach in Lake Forest on March 12, 2017. Lake County Cares organized the Shamrock Shivers Polar Plunge.
Swimmers sprint for the water at Forest Park Beach in Lake Forest on March 12, 2017. Lake County Cares organized the Shamrock Shivers Polar Plunge.
Jim Tutaj of Third Lake prepares to brave the cold water at Forest Park Beach in Lake Forest on March 12, 2017. Lake County Cares organized the Shamrock Shivers Polar Plunge.
Jim Tutaj of Third Lake prepares to brave the cold water at Forest Park Beach in Lake Forest on March 12, 2017. Lake County Cares organized the Shamrock Shivers Polar Plunge.
Nuala Kavanagh of Libertville braves the cold water at Forest Park Beach in Lake Forest on March 12, 2017, during the Shamrock Shivers Polar Plunge.
Nuala Kavanagh of Libertville braves the cold water at Forest Park Beach in Lake Forest on March 12, 2017, during the Shamrock Shivers Polar Plunge.

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