The annual polar plunge fundraiser hosted by the Chicago Polar Bear Club scheduled for Friday was canceled in anticipation of sub-zero temperatures set to freeze the region.
The Chicago Polar Bear Club posted a video about the cancellation on social media Thursday.
“Due to the extreme cold weather forecast for this weekend, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel the plunge,” the post’s caption said. “This was not a decision we made lightly. We know how much time, energy, and heart you have all put into preparing and fundraising. However, the safety of our Polar Bears has to be our highest priority, and with the conditions expected, it would not be responsible to go ahead.”
The plunge was scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, when wind chills around 25 degrees below zero are expected in the Chicago area, according to the National Weather Service.
The cold is anticipated to be the most “critical” until around 11 a.m., according to Storm Team 5 Meteorologist Alicia Roman said. The temperatures and wind chills could lead to frostbite in as little as 10 or 15 minutes.
Though the plunge won’t happen, the group’s private after party will still take place, according to the social media post.
“We would love everyone to join us to commiserate, connect, and celebrate everything we have achieved together,” the group said in the social media post. “Let’s raise a glass, swap stories, and recognize the incredible amount of money raised for an amazing cause.”
Nearly $90,000 was raised through this year’s Chicago Polar Bear Club Polar Plunge. The money will go to Chicago-area families who are struggling financially due to “unfortunate and unanticipated circumstances,” according to the group’s Facebook page.
Since they first started plunging in 2002, the Chicago Polar Bear Club has raised $650,000 through their previous events, according to their website.
