Penguin Plunge in Ottawa makes an impact for Make-A-Wish families

Nothing can dampen the pain Ellen Nabeti has felt since the passing of her son, Simon, in October, leaving her with only the memories of the brave, happy and personable young man she will always love.

However, Nabeti is focusing on just one of her fondest memories – the one that Make-A-Wish granted her son – and she’s doing her best to bring that kind of happy memory to others.

Nabeti is the leader of “Simon’s Squad,” a group of family and friends of all ages that will be one of many participating in the 15th annual Penguin Plunge fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Illinois, to be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at Skydive Chicago, at 3215 E. 1969th Road, north of Ottawa.

Make-A-Wish Illinois, the local portion of the national organization that grants wishes to children with critical illnesses, will receive all the proceeds from the plunge, whether donors choose to dive fully into to icy waters of the local pond, lean over to dip a toe in or just hold a towel in support others doing those things.

Simon certainly made the most of his time here on Earth. He made a lot of friends and he touched a lot of people. If he were here and healthy, he would definitely be here doing this Plunge.”

Registration is free, but it is asked that each plunger or dipper raise $100 in pledges to benefit the cause.

Those who can’t attend the actual plunge can still help the cause.

The Lone Buffalo Restaurant and Tap Room in Ottawa will be holding an event on from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, at which 10% of the proceeds will go to Make-A-Wish. BASH Burger and Sushi House also will be donating a portion of the proceeds from all dine-in orders from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23,.

According to Make-A-Wish Illinois Senior Community Engagement Manager Janet Glavin, last year’s Plunge had the 142 participants and 16 teams raising a total of $79,772.

So far this year, 102 participants and 12 teams registered have raised about $33,000. Go to https://wish.org/illinois/penguin-plunge to register.

“The ultimate goal for this year is $100,000,” Glavin said. “There are always so many that sign up as we get closer to the date, but we’re always looking to build teams. We welcome anyone who would like to come out and have a great time with us.”

Vactor, Constellation La Salle Station, the Jim and Debbie Reilly family, Thrush Sanitation, Coforge, Financial Plus Credit Union, Illinois Valley Contractors, Shoreline Boat and Ski Club, Streator Onized Credit Union and Starved Rock Yacht Club are among the event’s sponsors.

Simon died Oct. 18 of acute myeloid leukemia just 12 days before his 14th birthday, but many such benefactors gave him a chance to experience his wish of attending Super Bowl 57 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

“He was always adventuresome, an adrenaline junkie,” Simon’s mother said. “He was so grateful the summer after his wish that he did ‘Over The Edge,’ where he rappelled down the side of a 34-story hotel (the Hyatt Regency Chicago) to raise money for Make-A-Wish … The reason he wanted to do that was his wish was more than the Super Bowl. It was the NFL Honors Ceremony, the Super Bowl Experience, the interaction with the host Arizona Cardinals, it was so much more.

“He said that his wish was the best week of his life and it made cancer suck just a little less, so he wanted to give back, to help as many kids as possible experience their wish like that.”

Simon’s Squad is giving back. It has raised more than $12,000 of its $20,000 goal, an amount estimated to grant two wishes instead of just one, Nabeti said.

“The two traits that stand out about him were his bravery and kindness,” Nabeti said. “He was always willing to go meet the new person, to knock on a door for a new neighbor, and if there were kids, he’d set them up to be friends with other kids their age. He was always thinking of other people, smiling and saying hello. Even in the ICU or Ronald McDonald House, he was always trying to make someone else’s day brighter.

“Simon certainly made the most of his time here on Earth. He made a lot of friends and he touched a lot of people. If he were here and healthy, he would definitely be here doing this Plunge.”