Dave loved anything that involved family, friends, the beach and lakefront, or helping out a good cause and anyone in need. If it involved all those things and was also a little crazy, that was just a bonus.
Our Mission
Dave’s Divers was formed in January 2018 to honor the memory of our friend and family member Dave Mahay. Dave was a lifelong Chicago resident and graduate of Brother Rice High School and Western Illinois University. He loved the beach, lakes of all sizes and the great outdoors. Dave’s life may have been short, but it was by any measure a life well lived. He dedicated himself to serving others through his work as a Chicago Park District Lifeguard, as a paramedic, or helping out family and friends whenever or wherever he was needed.
Dave had an indelible force of spirit, an infectious and adventurous personality and a nurturing heart full of kindness. He saw every day as another opportunity to have fun and do good. He understood that many small acts of kindness add up to have the biggest impact and was often the first in line to help someone out. Inspired by Dave’s kindness to friends and strangers alike we are committed to continue his efforts. Because the need is great, worthy opportunities are everywhere. Please explore our page to learn more about how you can be our partner in safeguarding his legacy as we strive to have fun and make a difference as Dave did, one person at a time.
“Well it was as cold as I’d imagined but I am still in complete awe at the success of the Polar Plunge for Dave’s Divers. I had such a great time plunging with a huge group of people and being part of a really awesome group of planners. There’s no one else I’d rather run into freezing water with. Here’s to next year, Divers!”
What We've Achieved
Raised $50,000 for Special Olympics Chicago by participating in the Polar Plunge.
In 2021 we took a trip to Koontz Lake and have decide to make it the home of Dave’s Diver’s Polar Plunge.
In 2022 we continued our mission plunging at Koontz Lake in support of organizations like Special Olympics Chicago, Special Children’s Charities, Special Olympics Illinois, Christmas Without Cancer, Papa Hops, Finley Forever Foundation, Gigi’s Playhouse and The Koontz Lake Fire Department.
In 2022 we established a memorial scholarship with Advocate Christ Foundation. Dave attended Advocate Christ Paramedic School We will support EMS and Paramedic students annually.
In 2023 we established the Edward Mahay Sr. baseball scholarship in partnership with Play Ball USA