Swimmers jump in frigid Lake Michigan for annual Polar Plunge

With air temperatures hovering below freezing Sunday morning, thousands of Chicagoans decided it was a great day for a swim.

About 4,300 swimmers gathered at North Avenue Beach for the 26th annual Polar Plunge, put on by Special Children's Charities. Each year, participants raise money for Special Olympics Illinios, and this year's group has garnered more than $1.5 million in donations, falling short of the $2 million goal and down from last year's total of $1.7 million, according to the event's website.