There are not many people that relish the thought of jumping into freezing cold water in the dead of winter but it’s exactly what Colbee looked forward to every year. He did it mainly to raise money for Make-a-Wish but it also was just part of his personality to enjoy doing crazy stuff like that and his enthusiasm for it was infectious for those around him. Make-a-Wish took on a more personal meaning for him when his niece Chloe Francisco was granted a wish in April 2012. She was born with multiple special needs and was considered medically fragile throughout her life. Chloe was able to enjoy a wonderful family vacation at Give Kids the World in Orlando, FL which provided families with an amazing inclusive experience that celebrated the children’s differences they dealt with in their everyday life and gave them a welcome escape. Unfortunately, Chloe passed away in May 2017 at the age of 16. We all went to the next Penguin plunge in 2018 to support Make-a-Wish and watch Colbee and other family members once again brave the frigid water. It would heartbreakingly turn into Colbee’s last one after losing him unexpectedly in October 2018.  The loudest, brightest light of the past Plunges was now extinguished but even as hard it was we all managed to pick up the pieces and raise an incredibly high amount of donations for the 2019 Plunge and would continue doing so year after year, all for Make-A-Wish. It has been hard to replace his enthusiasm each year. However, this has not changed the support we have managed to provide to Make-A-Wish. Unsurprisingly, the majority of money raised now has been when we gather each year to celebrate Colbee’s memory and heavenly birthday. 

Even though it started out in Chicago in January of 2012 as a way for the crazy, boisterous, up-for-anything, kind of guy that Colbee was to plunge into the frigid waters of Lake Michigan, it became a way to carry on his legacy that extended beyond his large close-knit circle of family and friends. It has provided the chance for those kids, much like his niece, who have had the unfortunate experience of having obstacles they should never have had to hurdle, to be able to pick the one Wish they have always wanted and watch it magically come true before their eyes. Make-A-Wish is truly a dream come true for kids and their families and it is not a surprise that Colbee’s support has reached far beyond the heavens. 

Much love