The 13th annual Purple Plunge in Lake Zurich, Illinois, attracted over 500 participants to the lake water in its first year. The event, which began in memory of Mary Jo Bordenave, passed away in 2013 from lung cancer, has helped cancer-affected Lake County families through unexpected expenses such as income loss and medical bills. The charity's goal was $250,000 and as of Sunday, more than $300,000 was raised. Since 2013, since then, since the start of the event, 585 families have been helped by the Purple Plungge. Lake Zurich Mayor Tom Poynton praised the event for its commitment to raising money for cancer patients.