Penguin Plunge - Making Wishes Come True

01/27/2026

So excited to share 🎉 If you keep the fun going at the after-party at Keegan’s this Saturday, January 31st, they’ll donate 5% of all sales to the Plunge from 3:00–6:00 PM! Eat, drink, and plunge for a cause 🐧❄️

Address: 218 W Main St, Ottawa, IL 61350

01/26/2026

🐧 Penguins—this is our week!
It’s time to get pumped and push hard to help grant more wishes for local wish kids. We’re already 46% to our event goal, and if we keep this momentum going, we will get there—together.

💡 Today’s fundraising tip:
Did you know it takes an average of 6 touchpoints for someone to donate? People are busy, and messages often get lost in the shuffle. So if you’re reaching out again, you’re not bothering anyone—you’re simply reminding them.

And here’s the big one👇
❤️ The #1 reason people donate is because someone asked them.
Not just because of the mission—but because YOU asked.

So keep sharing. Keep asking. Keep showing up.
Every ask brings us one step closer to granting another wish. 💙✨

01/24/2026

🎉Door Prizes & VIP Experiences! 🐧

All attendees will be entered to win an exclusive behind-the-scenes animal experience for four at Lincoln Park Zoo!

Plus, one lucky winner will enjoy a VIP Day for five at Shedd Aquarium, including a once-in-a-lifetime Penguin Meet-and-Greet! 🐧✨

Don’t miss your chance to make a splash and get up close with some amazing animals—these experiences are as unforgettable as the plunge itself!

01/23/2026

🚨 INCENTIVE ALERT! 🚨

Our goal is to raise as much as possible for our local wish children, and we have a special way to celebrate your impact!

In honor of Make-A-Wish® Illinois’ 40th Anniversary, any team that raises $10,000 will receive an exclusive 40th Anniversary mug ☕✨

Why $10,000? Because that’s the average cost of granting a wish. Every sip will remind you that your team helped make a life-changing wish come true 💙

Let’s make magic happen — together.

01/21/2026

Penguins - Check out our awesome fundraising incentives. Our 40th Birthday Penguin t-shirt is ADORABLE! As we approach our event on the 31st, we are 40% towards our event goal. Every dollar is so meaningful. We can do this, TOGETHER!

01/12/2026

🐧 Penguins, BIG news! 🎉
Team Francisco just crossed the $10,000 mark!
They’re currently at $10,719 — WOW! 👏

Every dollar raised helps grant life-changing wishes for local kids through Make-A-Wish Illinois 💙

✨ Wish Fact: In the past year, Make-A-Wish Illinois granted 19 wishes to children in LaSalle County and surrounding communities, including 6 wishes since September — with even more thanks to YOU!

Keep up the amazing work, Penguins! ❄️🐧💙

01/09/2026

Penguins - I had an exciting day hitting the pavement in Ottawa to help promote the event!!

I am looking for a lake bubbler to borrow to keep the water ice-free for the event. This will save Make-A-Wish from having to purchase one. Would anyone have access or be willing to let us borrow theirs for the plunge? Please send me a message or email awhite@illinois.wish.org!

12/31/2025

As we step into the New Year, let's seize the moment to register for the plunge and send out fundraising emails, paving the way to create life-changing experiences for a wish child! Cheers to 2026!

12/23/2025

12/19/2025

Hi Penguins! 🐧

We need your help spreading the word around town! As you’re out waddling around your communities this holiday season, please let friends, family, and neighbors know that you’re taking the plunge and tell them about the event.

Every conversation helps build excitement and support—and we truly appreciate you being an ambassador for the plunge. Thank you for helping make this event a splash! 💙❄️

05/27/2025

🌟 Wishmakers Wanted! 🌟
Join us for a special evening with Make-A-Wish Illinois! Come meet fellow volunteers, wish families, and Make-A-Wish staff — and help make magic happen for local kids. 💫 RSVP HERE: https://wish.org/illinois/wishmaker-gathering-lasalle-ottawa

03/20/2025

🎉 Incentives Shipped! 🎉

We’ve shipped all earned incentives! 🚚✨If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us at 📧 communityevents@illinos.wish.org

Thank you for supporting Penguin Plunge and granting even more wishes for our very deserving kiddos! 💙