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Polar Plunges

Each year, the 24 in-person Polar Plunges and numerous Create Your Own Polar Plunges bring together thousands of warm-hearted individuals from across the state.  It’s a great way for everyone – individuals, organizations and businesses – to be cool and take the plunge in support of Special Olympics Illinois.  All funds raised go toward providing programming and events for thousands of traditional athletes and Young Athletes participating in Illinois.

First Look for Charity

First Look for Charity is the nation’s largest auto show and a formal gala benefiting Special Olympics Illinois and 17 other vital charities in the Chicagoland area. First Look offers complimentary hors-d’oeuvres, champagne, wine, soft drinks and desserts all on the show floor. Guests will also enjoy live music and have the chance to win a new vehicle. The Special Olympics Illinois hospitality suite opens at 5:30 PM, and the Chicago Auto Show begins at 7:00 PM. Remember – this is a tax-deductible contribution.

Champions Ball

The Champions Ball is truly that - inspirational for all of those who partake, by what the athletes show them in ability, not disability. The athletes are also inspired to see the many people who support them at this black tie gala that raises over $1 million dollars for Special Olympics Illinois programming.

As Special Olympics Illinois’ most high-end event, the program that Champions Ball attendees view is also second-to-none, culminating in a very moving and encouraging cinematic piece that promotes unification, ability and through sport, the confidence that is instilled in an athlete to succeed and be motivated to achieve off the field of play as well.

Illinois Special Olympics Foundation Golf Outing

Please join us for a day of golf and inspiration in support of Special Olympics Illinois hosted by our Foundation Board members at one of the most unique courses in Illinois!

The day will include 18 holes of golf, lunch, practice range, green fees, carts, forecaddies, on-course refreshments and a brief program with cocktails and dinner directly following golf.

Your participation will help create opportunities for thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities in Illinois through sport, health education, personal development, leadership, and community-building.

Chicago Duck Derby

It’s a signature annual fundraiser benefiting Special Olympics Illinois! Thousands of spectators watch over 75,000 yellow rubber ducks splash into the Chicago River in downtown Chicago and race down the river towards the finish line. Usually taking place in early August, race day kicks off at around 10:00 AM at 401 North Michigan Avenue with entertainment for the entire family. Splashdown for the Ducky Derby is at 1:00 PM. All proceeds benefit the thousands of athletes at Special Olympics Illinois.

Softball & Baseball Fundraisers

In January, Special Olympics Illinois, Region K and Indoor Softball Inc. will host an Annual Girls Indoor Winter Fast Pitch Softball Tournament at the Southern Illinois Center in Du Quoin. All money raised from this tournament will benefit the more than 1,600 Special Olympics Athletes competing in Region K.

Southern Illinois Ducky Derby Dash

The Ducky Derby Dash is typically held the first Sunday of October at Walker's Bluff Winery in Carterville.

Race day kicks off at 1:00 PM with a parade, followed by the main event - the duck race - at 3:00 PM. Also included throughout the day is entertainment for the entire family, including live music, face painting, games, and a special appearance by Splash the Duck.

Coaster Challenge

Six Flags Great America and Special Olympics Illinois have teamed up for the Coaster Challenge. This event takes place in September. Take the run out of racing and ride your way to the finish line to support the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois.

Simply register for $25, fundraise, and then ride the distance of a 5K, 10K, half marathon or marathon on Six Flags Great America's world-class rollercoasters. The earlier you register, the more time you have to work on fundraising - and the more rollercoasters you will ride!

Chicago Baseball Bash

This event takes place during Spring Training in Mesa, Arizona. It's a Chicago-style party experience post-Cubs game that is filled with your favorite sports celebrities pouring beverages, signing items, and comically entertaining the crowd. Past events have enjoyed Joe Maddon, Joe Mantegna, Kyle Schwarber, Brian Urlacher and dozens more.

Appropriately, this event will be held in Mesa, the first-ever Autism-Certified City in the U.S. designated by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) - the result of nearly a year-long quest to tailor travel experiences for individuals with autism and their families.

Row 4 Dough

Support the athletes of SOILL by sweating for a cause. Row 4 Dough challenges teams to work together to reach a 5K, half marathon, or full marathon as a team on a row machine or in the water in the shortest amount of time.

Rowers can compete as a five-person team (rowing 13.1 miles), a 10-person team (rowing 26.2 miles), or they can compete individually (rowing a 5K). In an effort to unite teams wherever they may be, teams will have the option to row in person or virtually.

Calendar of Fundraising Events

This calendar only displays fundraising events. For a full calendar of events, including state championships and regional qualifiers, please visit our Calendar of Events.

September 2023

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Region H Cardboard Boat Regatta
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

What is the Cardboard Boat Regatta?

“Sail Away” with Special Olympics Illinois and the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run

Join us on September 3rd at Sheedy Shores WineGarden at 1pm for the 3rd Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta benefiting the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois, Presented by Jane Hay

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2023 Southern Ducky Derby
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Event Details

The 2023 Southern Ducky Derby benefiting Region K Special Olympics athletes will be held Sunday, September 3rd at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds pond at 655 Executive Dr., Du Quoin.

Duck adoptions are on sale now for $5 for 1 duck, 6 ducks for $25, 13 for $50, 24 for $100, 60 for $250, 120 for $500

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Mum Sale
10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Support Special Olympics Illinois and purchase your fall Mums for a Mission

Mums are a hardy perennial plant best planted in the spring but sold in the autumn as they are in full bloom and beautiful autumn jewel-hued colors to decorate your house! 

How Does It Work

  • Purchase your quantity via
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Mum Sale
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Support Special Olympics Illinois and purchase your fall Mums for a Mission

Mums are a hardy perennial plant best planted in the spring but sold in the autumn as they are in full bloom and beautiful autumn jewel-hued colors to decorate your house! 

How Does It Work

  • Purchase your quantity via
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ILSO Foundation Board Golf Outing
10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Susie Doyens and Tony Colletta

Join us for a day of golf and entertainment in support of Special Olympics Illinois. The day will include 18 holes of golf, lunch, and a BBQ Bash afterwards with live entertainment!

Golf Registration starts at 10:00 AM | Shotgun start at 12:00 PM | BBQ Bash begins at 5:00 PM

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2023 Coaster Challenge
9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Six Flags Great America and Special Olympics Illinois have teamed up again for the annual Coaster Challenge on Saturday, September 16.

Challengers will ride along as each roller coaster clicks and climbs the track, adding up the collective distance to complete the race. There has never been such a thrilling way to

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Region E Construction Team Picnic
10:00 am - 1:00 pm

What is The Construction Team Picnic?

This is a FREE outing for athletes, young athletes, coaches, peer partners and families. Join us rain or shine for food, games, music, dancing, t-shirts and more!

Sponsor Information

Sponsor money from this event benefits the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois. Interes

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Troy Truck Convoy
2:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Convoy Details

The Illinois Truck Convoy is a celebration of the trucking industry joining together with law enforcement to raise funds and awareness for the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois. 

If you have any questions, please contact Kia Christensen at 309-888-2565

Who can participate?

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Red Lobster Tip a Cop
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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Law Enforcement Torch Run O’Hare Plane Pull
7:30 am - 3:00 pm

What is Plane Pull?

The Plane Pull features the ultimate tug-of-war competition! Teams raise of up to 20 raise a minimum of $1,000 for the opportunity to test their strength by pulling an United Airlines 737, weighting more than 180,00 lbs, 12 feet as fast as possible. That is right, the plane weighs nearly 90 tons

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