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Plunge FAQ
What is the Polar Bear Plunge?
The Polar Bear Plunge (presented by Minnesota law enforcement as part of the year-round fundraising of Law Enforcement Torch RunŽ events to benefit Special Olympics) is a unique opportunity for individuals, organizations and businesses to support Special Olympics athletes by jumping into frigid Minnesota waters. During the months of January through March, there are eleven opportunities across the state to take the Plunge and be freezin' for a reason: to support Special Olympics Minnesota athletes! And for those who are too chicken to make a splash, you can still show your support by pledging a braver soul or come out to one of the events and cheer everyone on!
Managing your Online Account
Adding Offline Donations
When you receive check or cash donations in person, you now have the abilitiy to add the amount to your online fundraising page, so that people can see your total progress. Add these donations individually as you receive them. Ex. If you receive $30 from a donor, enter in $30. Next time, you receive $20 from a donor, enter in $20. Do not enter in the total amount ($50), as the system automatically adds up all the amounts you have entered in previously. The Offline Donations tool is for your own personal use. Cash and checks will still be counted and verified when you check-in for the Plunge.
Editing my Registration Information
You are now able to edit your name, team name and fundraising goal under the "Edit Registration Information" link when you are logged into your account.
Plunge E-mail Tool
Through the Plunge E-mail tool, you are able to send e-mails to family and friends inviting them to either "Join your team" (if registered on a team) and a "Personal Pledge Invitation" to donate to your web page online. Once logged into your account, click on the Email Friends tool and select your e-mail type, then enter in the e-mail address, listing one e-mail per line. Enter in your name so your recipients know who the email is from. Click "Send Invitations" and you will be able to confirm your e-mail and also change the subject line if you choose.
Uploading an Image
Use the Browse button to search for an image you'd like added to your page. The system will automatically resize your picture to fit your page. Be sure to click the "Submit" button at the bottom of the page to save your image. Special Olympics Minnesota closely monitors all pictures uploaded to the Polar Bear Plunge Web site. We reserve the right to delete any inappropriate content, including pictures.
Adding Text
Add a message to your web page to tell others about what you are doing for Special Olympics Minnesota. Tell why you are involved, your personal Plunge stories, what your Plunge costume will be, etc. Make if fun! Use the tools to change your font, colors, and add hyperlinks. Be sure to click the "Submit" button at the bottom of your page to save your text.
Online Features
Thermometers
Thermometers are shown on each individual page, team page, and on the main Plunge Headquarters page to show current fundraising achievements for your team or individual goal. Whenever someone joins a team, their personal goal will be included in the teams goal. The Plunge Headquarters thermometer shows all money raised online and turned in at Plunge events. The Plunge Headquarters thermometer has a goal of $1,000,000! Help us achieve this goal and raise money for the amazing athletes of Special Olympics Minnesota.
The thermometer on team and personal web pages include amounts raised through both online and offline donations.
Top Fundraisers List
The Top 5 Online Individual Fundraisers and Team Fundraisers are listed on the Plunge Headquarters. This list only reflects online donations that individuals and teams have received. Offline pledges are not included since they can not be verified. Top 3 lists are displayed on each individual Plunge page and reflect only those registered for that specific Plunge. Use these lists to stay up to date on what other individuals and teams are raising and use it to motivate yourself!
Plunge Team web pages
Plungers can register for one Plunge and join a team at a different Plunge. This can be helpful for businesses and corporations who want their employees fundraising efforts to be shown together, even when all are unable to Plunge at the same location. However, in order to qualify for the Polar Bear Den, all Plungers must be participating in the same event.
Day of Check-in Questions
How long does check-in take?
Our goal is to check-in every participant quickly so that you may enjoy the event. We are taking the steps necessary to ensure that we have enough volunteers available and that the registration process is smooth the day of the event. However, no system is perfect, and we cannot guarantee that you will not wait in line. We apologize in advance for any delays you might experience, and we ask for your patience and understanding. The nature of this event is such that we experience a very high volume of registration traffic in a relatively short time frame; therefore, we will do our best to create an efficient system, but unfortunately cannot estimate wait times. If available, we recommend attending a pre-registration event to make the entire process easier for you.
Am I guaranteed to receive my incentive when I check-in?
No. We try to order enough incentives to cover all the Plungers who participate, but if there is a large increase in Plunger numbers, we may not have everyone's incentives available on site. If you do not receive your incentives the day of the Plunge, they will be mailed out to you shortly after the Plunge. Be sure that you provide your current information and that it is legible in case this situation arises. Incentives will be determined based on the amount of money turned in on the day of the Plunge.
What are some tips to make check-in go faster?
- Register online.
- If you do not register online, have a brochure (PDF) completely and clearly filled out.
- Arrive early and help alleviate the congestion expected 1-2 hours prior to the Plunge.
- Have your waiver (PDF) signed before checking in.
- When possible, contact us prior to arriving at registration with questions concerning accounting of online pledges or other issues regarding registration. If questions arise that day, we will do our best to help you with them in a timely manner.
Can I pre-register before the event to avoid waiting in lines?
Many of the Plunges offer a pre-registration event a day or two prior to the Plunge. Check out your specific Plunge location's web page for details. Pre-registration events are most beneficial for those who have completed their fundraising efforts and who wish to turn their donations in and receive their incentive. If you still have fundraising left to do, you may want to way until the day-of to check-in.
Do I need to be on a team to take the Plunge?
No. People are encouraged to participate whether plunging solo or with a team. The greater the number of participants, the greater the number of dollars that we raise for Special Olympics Minnesota!
I can't participate in the Plunge that I registered for. What happens to the pledges that I received
Online donations received will be credited to the Special Olympics Minnesota office. If you have raised enough pledges to be eligible for an incentive, you can still receive that incentive if you'd like. Contact polarbearplunge@somn.org for more information.
Other Questions
Where can I download a Plunge brochure and other Plunge Materials?
Plunge brochures, team packets, team and individual fundraising tool kits, and more are all available at Plunge Headquarters as well as listed on each individual Plunge's web page.
How do I register?
Go to www.specialolympicsminnesota.org and click Register To Plunge. Choose to register as an individual, create a team or join a team. If you don't want to register online, you can register at the event. Bring a completed brochure (PDF) and signed waiver (PDF). (Download these forms and more at
Plunge Headquarters.) Some locations also have pre-registration events, so check your Plunge location's web page for details.
Do all team members need to register online?
Yes. In order to be a part of a team, you must register online and join that team. If you register the day-off the Plunge you will be considered an individual. You will still be able to Plunge with your group, but your fundraising efforts and records will be listed as an individual.
I accidentally registered twice. What should I do?
In order to properly track your online pledges, it is best that you only have one online registration record per Plunge location. If you accidentally registered twice, please contact polarbearplunge@somn.org and specify which account you would like deleted. Pledges linked to the deleted account can be credited to the active account.
Can I register my team members online?
No. Online Plunge registration is set up for each participant to create a unique username and password, so he or she can raise pledges online and maintain their own personal Plunge web pages.
I have raised pledges both online and offline with cash and checks. How will the volunteers at Plunge check-in know how much I have raised?
At the on-site Plunge check in and pre-registration events, volunteers and staff will have a list of all Plungers registered online including the total amount of pledges they have received online up to two days prior to the event. If you have received donations within the two days prior to the event, please print off a copy of your individual web page so that we can verify your total. We will gladly accept pledges after the event has passed but incentives will be determined based on the amount raised prior to the event. Any late pledges can be sent to:
Special Olympics Minnesota State Office
Attn: Polar Bear Plunge
100 Washington Avenue South
Suite 550
Minneapolis, MN 55401
I forgot my password, what do I do?
Use the Forgot Password tool below the log in fields. Your password will be sent to the e-mail account you used to sign up for the Plunge. If you have multiple Plunge accounts registered with the same e-mail, you will lose this feature. Still having trouble? E-mail polarbearplunge@somn.org with your name and contact information.
I forgot my username, what do I do?
Contact us and we'll be happy to get it for you. E-mail us at
polarbearplunge@somn.org from the e-mail account you registered, and provide us with your name and contact information.
How can I thank donors who have pledged to me online?
You will receive an e-mail whenever a donation is made to you online. This e-mail will include the donor's information, if they supplied it. You may also contact us at polarbearplunge@somn.org to receive a list of donors.
Can team members share an online donation?
Donations made online cannot be split amongst team members. However, donations received in person can be distributed among team members however you choose.
I don't know the location at which my friend will Plunge, but I want to donate to them. What do I do?
If you don't know the Plunge location, you'll have to search through each Plunge to find their name. Click on a Plunge location and a drop-down list of Plungers will appear. If you do not find their name, continue searching the next Plunge location until you locate their name.
Can I Plunge at more than one Plunge event?
Definitely! You need to register yourself for both Plunge events. You will then have two individual web pages, one for each location. You will need to create a unique username for each account.
What are the benefits of registering online?
Registering online allows you to create your own individual and team web pages, accept online credit card pledges, track your pledges, send out online pledge requests to friends and family, and send out e-mails for people to join your team. You can also indicate the incentive that you hope to achieve so that we can better ensure the size and availability of each item. Online registrants also receive access to Plunge update e-mails and various online fundraising contests.
Will I be able to see pictures from the Plunge online after the event?
Yes! Pictures will be available at Plunge Headquarters after the Plunges are complete. You will also be able to share your own photos with other Plungers! Since we have eleven Plunges in a row, we may not be able to get all of the pictures online immediately following each Plunge. In the weeks following the final Plunge, all pictures will be uploaded to the site. We appreciate your patience!
I don't want to use the online fundraising program. Can I still participate?
Yes! We still have paper
brochures (PDF) available and would be happy to mail you additional copies if you need them. Requests can be sent to polarbearplunge@somn.org.
I have a group of people that want to Plunge together. Can we form a team?
Yes! Forming a team is a great way to motivate one another to raise more money for Special Olympics Minnesota. Team Packet Forms are available to download and print from Plunge Headquarters and all individual Plunge web pages, or you can e-mail polarbearplunge@somn.org to have a packet mailed to you.
Is there a minimum age requirement for participation?
No. Anyone can participate who has raised the minimum $75. All Plunge participants must sign and date a
waiver (PDF), and participants under the age of 18 are required to have a parent or guardian present at the event, and they also must sign the waiver. Young children are welcome to participate, but that decision is left to the sole discretion of the child's parent or guardian.
I can't collect all my pledges before the Plunge. What do I do?
We can only register you and provide an incentive for the amount of money you bring with you to the Plunge. Separate checks are OK and should be made payable to Special Olympics Minnesota. If you receive donations after the Plunge, you can mail them to:
Special Olympics Minnesota State Office
Attn: Polar Bear Plunge
100 Washington Avenue South
Suite 550
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Will I get a receipt for my donation and/or will my sponsors get receipts?
If you or one of your Plunge sponsors is making a donation in the form of a personal check equal to or greater than $25, the person whose name and address appears on the check will receive a standard thank-you letter from the Special Olympics Minnesota State Office that serves as a receipt for tax purposes. Please note that under current IRS guidelines, a cancelled check is sufficient proof for your tax returns for donations under $250. Cash donations obviously cannot be tracked back to the donor, so in this case, you or the donor will need to request a receipt. Ask the volunteer for one when they check you in, or e-mail polarbearplunge@somn.org. Donors pledging online will receive an e-mail receipt if they have provided a valid e-mail address, which can be used for tax purposes.
How can I get my company's logo on the back of the Polar Bear Plunge long-sleeve shirt?
There are a variety of sponsorship levels available. If you are interested in finding out more about the sponsorship opportunities and the benefits that sponsors receive, please contact polarbearplunge@somn.org.
How can my corporation get involved?
Monetary and in-kind support is always needed to operate events this large. Please contact polarbearplunge@somn.org or call 800-783-7732, ext. 280, to discuss how to become a Polar Plunge Sponsor, form a Plunge team with your employees, or provide matching gifts for Plungers.
What do I need to wear for the Plunge?
All Plungers must wear shoes in order to Plunge and be covered appropriately.
How do I get a team Plunge packet?
Download a Team Packet Form from the Plunge Headquarters or e-mail polarbearplunge@somn.org to have a packet sent to you. Be sure to include your address and the number of team members you expect to have.
Do I have to Plunge or can I help out in other ways?
Our Plunges are a success because of the brave Plungers who participate and our wonderful volunteers who help to make the event happen. If you simply want to volunteer your time, please e-mail polarbearplunge@somn.org or contact your local Plunge volunteer planning committee. You can always choose to pledge to a Plunger as well!
Are donations tax deductible?
Yes! Donors who pledge you online receive an e-mail receipt if they enter a valid e-mail address; this receipt can be used for tax purposes. To receive a paper receipt, e-mail polarbearplunge@somn.org.
What is the Law Enforcement Torch Run?
The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch RunŽ is to raise funds for, and awareness of, the Special Olympics movement worldwide. Law enforcement officers and personnel from the 50 United States, 10 Canadian provinces and territories, and more than 35 nations carry the "Flame of Hope" in honor of Special Olympics athletes in their area and around the world. Special Olympics is a program that reaffirms the beliefs that with hope and dedication, we can see achievement and self-worth realized by any individual. It is our belief that people with intellectual disabilities, through their involvement in Special Olympics, show their communities that there are no limits to their potential. The Law Enforcement Torch RunŽ, through its fundraising efforts, supports this opportunity, making the potential for every Special Olympics athlete come to life!
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