How will I receive my Official Plunge Hoodie?

All Official Bears who raise the required minimum will receive the exclusive Plunge hoodie sweatshirt. We will do our BEARY BEST to ensure that all in-person Bears get their sweatshirt at check-in. If you cannot pick up your sweatshirt at check-in, it will be mailed! Sweatshirts for Virtual Bears will be mailed as well.

What can I do with offline funds?

Any funds collected offline (cash, checks) can be mailed to or dropped off at the Special Olympics Delaware office. If you are mailing funds, please be sure to include either the Offline Donation Form, or a note identifying who the funds are for so that we can credit them appropriately.
Our mailing address is: Special Olympics Delaware, 619 S College Ave, Newark, DE 19716

Can I move funds among team members or other fellow Bears?

Yes, we know our Bears get creative and use many different methods to maximize their fundraising efforts. Please email plungede@sode.org with any inquiries about moving funds.

If you need to move funds at check-in, please let the volunteers know so that they can direct you to the correct check-in table.

When can I check in? And can I check in for other Bears, too?

Check-in times and locations are listed here. We strongly recommend taking advantage of one of the early check-in opportunities to make your Plunge day as smooth as possible. You may pick up for anyone at check-in. If you are picking up for a large group (7 or more), please submit the form linked below.

If I earn additional fundraising incentives, when will I receive those?

Some fundraising incentives will be distributed at check-in for the Plunge. All other fundraising incentives will be mailed post-event. Bears who have earned fundraising incentives will receive communication when their items have shipped. We appreciate your patience as we process data from Plunge weekend and work with our vendor to place orders.

Can I continue to collect donations after the Plunge?

Yes, your online fundraising page will remain open through the month of February, closing March 1. If you receive offline funds after the event, you can turn them in to the SODE office. All donations and matching dollars must be received by March 1 to count toward your incentive fulfillments.

Will the Plunge be Virtual or In-Person?

This year, we are once again bringing our Bears the best of both worlds! Register for the Plunge and plunge in-person on the first day in February at 1:00 p.m. in Rehoboth Beach OR plunge virtually at your own discretion.

What if I want to plunge In-Person AND Virtually?

We encourage you to be bold and get cold as many times as you like, but you only need to register once.

How do I do the Virtual Plunge, anyway?

Get creative and Plunge on your own – think kiddie pool, water gun, sprinkler, bucket, shower…the possibilities are endless! The best part is you control your water temperature. Whatever you decide to do for your Plunge, we would love to see what you come up with. Please share photos and videos with us!

As you plan your Virtual Plunge, please remember – The in-person Plunge is safe because we have a professional dive team in the water and a Safety Team of emergency responders on site. Do NOT attempt to jump into an ocean, lake, river, or any other open body of water. Do not do anything that could physically harm yourself or others. Special Olympics Delaware is not responsible for any injuries that occur while participating in the Virtual Plunge.

Can I bring my dog to Plunge Day?

While we love our four-legged friends, dogs are not permitted at the Polar Bear Plunge. Even though many dogs interact well with others, not all participants are comfortable around dogs. Our priority is to ensure a safe, welcoming, and comfortable experience for all of our Bears and attendees. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us create an inclusive environment for everyone.

Service animals, as defined by the ADA, are permitted.

Will photos be made available after the Plunge?

We will have volunteer photographers at the In-Person Plunge, and we will collect all shared Virtual Plunge photos in a gallery as well. All photos will be posted and can be downloaded for free. Check out past Plunge photos here.