Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL EVENT INFORMATION
DONATIONS / FUNDRAISING
TEAM INFORMATION
PARKING / TRANSPORTATION
SPECTATORS
FESTIVAL INFORMATION
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
COOL SCHOOLS CHALLENGE
GENERAL EVENT INFORMATION
Q: What is the minimum amount that I need to raise to participate?
A: Individual Plungers need to raise at least $50. Participants raising higher amounts are eligible for greater incentives.
Q: Where/how do I turn in my money on Plunge day?
A: Any monies you have in-hand should be turned in at the Registration area on Plunge Day. This includes cash, checks, and money orders. Credit card donations are also accepted at Registration.
Q: What prizes are available to participants who raise more than the minimum $50?
A: For a full list of fundraising incentives, click here.
Q: How far do I have to go into the water?
A: We do not have any depth requirements for the Plunge. Instead, we leave it up to the comfort level of the individual participant. Some choose to go all the way under, while others go ankle-deep and then go home. They are all Plungers in our book!
Q: How old do you have to be to Plunge?
A: While we do not have any age restrictions, participants under the age of 18 must have written consent from a parent or legal guardian. Over the years, many young children have participated quite safely and we defer to the parents on what makes the most sense for their family. Remember, Plunging can mean dipping a hand or a big toe, which is plenty of cold water for a little one!
Q: Is there someplace where I can change before and/or after the Plunge?
A: For the comfort of our Plungers, we provide large heated changing tents for Men, Women and even a Family tent. These are located on the beach, just outside of the Plunge Zone, providing easy access to them immediately post-Plunge. Please note that neither the event committee nor Special Olympics Maryland are responsible for personal belongings left inside the tent that are lost or stolen during the course of the event. Leave items at your own risk.
Q: What else is there to do at Plungapalooza?
A: Plungapalooza is a full day of fun for the whole family. In addition to the main event (the actual Plunge!), participants and spectators alike can enjoy the offerings inside the heated festival tent, including live music by The Reagan Years, The Kelley Bell Band and Flipside, a kids’ corner, displays, a variety of vendors and crafters, carnival games, Plunge souvenirs, and much, much more. The event also includes the Polar Bear Plunge Pageant, live MD Lottery drawings, live remotes by 98 Rock and WBAL-AM, a spirited costume contest, great food and drink for sale, and most of all the opportunity to be a part of THE event of winter!
Q: What should I wear to the Plunge?
A: Pretty much whatever you want, within the following guidelines:
- No wetsuits allowed
- Wearing shoes is strongly encouraged – the sand is very cold and this will go a long way towards increasing your comfort
- Costumes are encouraged for the contest, but discouraged for the actual Plunge as bulky materials can be dangerous (just ask Sponge Bob!) to the wearer. The costume contest is held before the Plunge in order to allow participants to change out of costumes prior to entering the Bay.
- Lewd or indecent bathing suits or outfits are not permitted. Please remember that this is a family event. Participants who disregard this policy will be asked to cover up, or will be escorted from the park.
- For other great tips on what to wear, click here.
Q: I am a first-time Plunger. Can you tell me what I should expect when I arrive?
A: The most fun you’ll ever have at the beach in January! You should expect a very large crowd and lots of energy. In addition to the “main event” (the actual Plunge into the Bay!), the event venue has plenty to see and do for everyone. You can listen to live music, visit a variety of vendors and crafters, watch a wood carver or a team of sand sculptors at work, participate in a spirited costume contest, buy some great Plunge gear or other food and drink, and mingle with about 15,000 fellow Plungers as you all gear up for the chilly dip into the Chesapeake.
If you haven’t already picked up your Plunge packet, you will generally want to head directly to the Registration tent to get your sweatshirt and your meal voucher immediately upon arrival. Then, depending on what time you are Plunging – either 1 or 3 p.m. – you will either want to get your lunch and check out the sites before you Plunge or after. Either way, you will also have access to a heated changing tent for your convenience. You should listen for announcements about when to change and get ready, which occur an estimated 15-20 before each of the scheduled Plunge times.
Be sure to check out these informative first-time Plunge tips for more great information. If you still have questions, please feel free to email us at plunge@somd.org or call 410-789-6677.
DONATIONS / FUNDRAISING
Q: Who should checks be made out to?
A: Checks should be made out to Special Olympics Maryland, which can also be abbreviated as “SOMD”.
Please include in the memo area of the check the Plunger’s name or the name of the team that is to be credited.
Q: I am trying to make an online donation but it doesn’t seem to be going through. What can I do?
A: Call us and we can help! While we are very pleased with the service provided by Kintera and the overall performance of this online fundraising program, they do occasionally experience technical issues and/or implement service upgrades that cause service to be interrupted. So if you do experience any challenges or errors, please call us at 410-789-6677 and someone will assist you in processing your contribution.
Q: How can we move money that was credited to a specific member of our team to the general team donation or vice versa?
A: A site administrator from our office has to move that for you, and the most efficient way to request such a change is to email plunge@somd.org with the following info:
- Participant’s first and last name
- Where you want the donation moved to –either your team name or another participant’s name
- Donor’s first and last name and donation amount you wish moved
Once completed, SOMD will send a confirmation email indicating the change has been made.
You may also call 410-789-6677and ask to speak to a Special Olympics MD representative who can make the requested change.
Q: How can I make a donation without using my credit card online?
A: Donations are accepted in all forms, so donors who do not wish to use the online system can do one of the following:
Call us at 410-789-6677 and make a donation via the phone using a major credit card
Make a donation in check form and mail it to:
SOMD
513 Progress Drive, Suite P
Linthicum, MD 21090
We do ask that any donations made in this manner clearly indicate the exact name of the Plunger or team that the contribution should be credited to. If that information is not included, the donation will not be credited to any specific individual, but will instead be entered as a general donation.
Please also allow at least 5 business days from the date that the check arrives at SOMD for the donation amount to be reflected in a participant’s online fundraising total.
Q: I have received additional donations for the Plunge but the event is over. What should I do with them?
A: Donations to the Plunge are accepted at any time of the year, and simply need to be mailed or delivered to:
SOMD
513 Progress Drive, Suite P
Linthicum, MD 21090
Please be sure that the name of the individual or team that the donations should be credited to is clearly indicated.
Q: I/my team raised funds for the Plunge but I was/we were unable to attend. What should I/we do with the money I/we raised?
A: In every case that we have ever been asked this, Plunge participants find that their donors still want their contribution to go to SOMD so we encourage you to send the money in. Donations to the Plunge are accepted at any time of the year, and simply need to be mailed or delivered to:
SOMD
513 Progress Drive, Suite P
Linthicum, MD 21090
Please be sure that the name of the individual or team that the donations should be credited to is clearly indicated.
Q: I already went through Plunge Packet Pick-Up/Registration at the SOMD offices, but I have a few more donations that people have given me. Since I am already registered, do I still turn these in at Registration, or somewhere else at the event?
A: All donations should be turned in at Registration, even if you already went through Packet Pick-Up. A registration volunteer will collect the additional funds and that amount will be added to your event total post-Plunge. Should there be a line at Registration, please look for one of the “Ask Me” Volunteers, as they will be happy to assist in collecting your donations.
Q: Does SOMD issue refunds?
A: Charitable contributions are non-refundable, and the minimum Plunge registration fee is considered a charitable contribution and is therefore also non-refundable.
Q: I have received some cash donations and I want to update the fundraising total on my webpage to include these. How can I do this?
A: Individual Plunge participants cannot enter donations in the system, unless they are making an online contribution via credit card. All other donations – cash, check, money order – are entered by the administrative support staff for the Plunge. Contributions in this form should be mailed to
SOMD
513 Progress Drive, Suite P
Linthicum, MD 21090
for processing or brought to registration on the day of the event .
Q: How long does it take for checks that are mailed in on my behalf to show up in my fundraising total?
A: Generally speaking, contributions will be entered no more than 10 days after they are received by SOMD. When checking on a donation that has been mailed, please remember to allow 2-3 days for handling by the USPS. During the week of the Plunge, processing time WILL increase due to the volume of mail received. In this case, contributions may or may not appear on your webpage prior to the event.
Q: Is there a pledge form that I can download in order to give to people who might want to sponsor me?
A: Yes! The pledge form is located on our website (www.plungemd.com) in the Toolkit, and you can click here to access and print it.
Q: My company offers matching gifts. If I get my personal contribution to the Plunge matched, does that count towards my fundraising total and how do I go about getting credit for it?
A: Yes, that is an excellent way to raise additional funds on behalf of your Plunge. All you need to do is complete a request with your employer. They will have us verify your donation and will send us the matching funds -- usually within 6 weeks, sometimes longer.
Q: Will donors to my Plunge effort automatically receive a receipt, or do I need to request them?
A: Special Olympics Maryland automatically generates thank you letters/donation receipts for all donors who made contributions of $10 or more by check or money order, and who we have complete and accurate contact information for (name, mailing address). Donation acknowledgements for contributions received in our office are generally mailed within 60 days of receipt. All donations that are made online via credit card will automatically receive a thank you/receipt via email – this is the only receipt they will receive for that donation. Cash contributions that are not specifically credited to a particular donor will not automatically receive receipts. However, you can request receipts by contacting us at plunge@somd.org or calling 410-789-6677.
Q: Can I get blank receipt forms to give to my donors?
A: Blank receipt forms are available for you to give back to donors upon receiving a contribution. They are located in the Plunge Toolkit that can be downloaded by clicking here.
TEAM INFORMATION
Q: Can I join/change teams once I have registered? Can I get blank receipt forms to give to my donors?
A: Yes! This needs to be done on the administrative side of Kintera though, so in order request such a change, please email plunge@somd.org with following info:
- Participant’s first and last name
- The exact name of the team you wish to join
- If applicable, the team you currently belong to
You may also call 410-789-6677and ask to speak to a Special Olympics MD representative who can make the change.
Q: What is the minimum amount that my team needs to raise?
A: Teams are not required to raise any specific amount; however, every team member still must raise a minimum of $50.
Q: My team is traveling to the Plunge by bus. How do I request a parking pass?
A: Contact Betsy Jiron at bjiron@somd.org or 410-789-6677 x115 to make a bus reservation. Please remember that these are buses only. Bus parking passes that are issued will NOT be honored for cars, RV’s, or SUV’s who attempt to utilize them on Plunge Day.
Q: Can general donations made to our team be split up among team members to give each member the minimum $50 contribution?
A: All Plungers must fund-raise individually. However, we are aware that in some cases a family member or a company will issue one check that is intended to cover multiple team members, but will just use the team name. You can help us to avoid this by asking donors to indicate in advance exactly who they are sponsoring and in what amounts. If that information is not included ahead of time but the donor did intend for it be split among team members, please contact us at plunge@somd.org or 410-789-6677 and we will assist in reallocating those funds.
Q: My team would like to put out some banners/posters/flyers/other promotional materials to promote a special fundraiser and/or our general participation in the event and help us raise money. How can we get these?
A: We are happy to work with teams to assist in promoting participation in this event. Please contact Betsy Jiron at bjiron@somd.org or 410-789-6677 x115 to request assistance.
Q: It says that a team must be 10 or more people. Does that mean that if we don’t have 10 people total my friends and I can’t sign up as a team?
A: The 10-person minimum for a team only applies to the team awards levels. So any teams will less than 10 members will not be eligible for any of the prizes awarded to various divisions. But groups with less than 10 people are still welcome to sign up as a team and enjoy the event as a group.
Q: How do I join the Super Plunge Team?
A: Super Plungers are a select group of individuals who have plunged in the past and commit to raise a minimum of $10,000. While we appreciate the interest in the team, we are not always adding new team members. If you have an interest in becoming a Super Plunger, you can send your request along with some info about yourself and your history with the Plunge to lellingsworth@somd.org. Please do not join the Super Plunge team on your own. If you do so without official communication from the Super Plunge Liaison, your name will be removed and you will be notified of this.
PARKING / TRANSPORTATION
Q: Where can I park?
A: Please click here for a detailed parking and transportation plan for the 2010 MSP Plunge.
Q: Is there any general parking available at Sandy Point State Park?
A: The size of our crowd has outgrown the space available for parking, so while there are a limited number of general parking spaces available, they are no longer allotted on a “first-come, first-serve” basis. This is because we don’t want anyone to arrive very early and wait in line only to be turned away due to a shortage of spaces. Therefore, general parking spaces will be awarded via lottery draw for the 2011 MSP Plunge. In addition to the lucky recipients of the lottery drawing, there are still other ways that participants can secure parking at Sandy Point.
These include:
Reservations can be made for buses – email plunge@somd.org to reserve your bus pass today! These passes are strictly for use by buses – bus passes used by SUV’s, RV’s or smaller cars will not be honored on Jan. 29.
The first 200 individual Plungers who raise $1,500 by January 15th will receive a parking pass for Sandy Point State Park, guaranteeing them parking on site on Plunge Day.
All remaining parking spaces will be awarded by lottery draw to a TBD number of lucky Plunge participants. To be eligible for the drawing, participants must have raised the minimum $50 by January 15.
Q: Is there handicapped accessible parking available at Sandy Point State Park for the Plunge? Do I need to request a special parking pass to use one of these spots?
A: Yes, there is handicapped accessible parking at Sandy Point State Park for drivers with valid handicap plates or hangtags. If you are eligible, please contact us at plunge@somd.org or 410-789-6677 to request one of those spaces, as they are limited to whatever is normally available at the park. There are handicapped accessible shuttle buses available in each of the lots as well.
Q: Are the shuttle buses handicapped accessible?
A: Yes, there are buses designated for each lot that are accessible. If you plan to use one of those buses to travel to Sandy Point, please look for a TMS representative upon arrival at the lot and that person will direct you to the correct bus. Also, please allow additional time as not all 200 buses are accessible so you could experience a slightly longer wait.
Q: How much time should I allow for travel and Plunge check-in to make sure that I get there in time for the Plunge?
A: For participants who are traveling to the park via the TMS Polar Express shuttle system, we recommend allowing a minimum of 90 minutes from the time you board the bus to the time that you would like to Plunge; more than likely this gets you to the Park well ahead of schedule. So for those planning to Plunge at 1 p.m., you should board a shuttle by 11:30 a.m. The approximate travel time to Sandy Point from any of the satellite lots depends on the volume of people and traffic, but during peak travel times it could be as long as 45 minutes. The 90-minute minimum therefore accounts for travel, and gives you time to register and change before the Plunge time. Please factor in your personal drive time to the satellite lots and consider whether or not you want to eat and take in the sights and sounds of the festival when determining just how much additional time you need prior to the Plunge.
SPECTATORS
Q: As a spectator, where is the best place to watch the Plunge?
A: Spectators are welcome to stand along the outside perimeter of the fence line designating the official “Plunge Zone” in order to watch the action; however, they will not be allowed entry into the Plunge Zone. For those Plungers who need photographic proof, we recommend taking a waterproof camera to the water with you and asking a fellow Plunger to capture the moment. Another option is to delay your Plunge until the bulk of the crowd has already entered and exited t he water, making it easier for your supporters to see you from the spectator area.
Q: Why can’t my family/friends go down to the water with me when I Plunge?
A: For the safety of all participants, spectators are not allowed to enter the Plunge Zone, which is the fenced-off area on the beach. We know this is disappointing for supporters who want to see the action up close, but these crowds of spectators create a hazardous situation for Plungers who are trying to enter and exit the water quickly, only to find that they are being blocked – or worse, pushed back – by a large group of enthusiastic onlookers.
One exception to this policy is that parents and chaperones of minors age 15 and under will be issued a Plunge Zone wristband (one chaperone per minor participant) to assist that minor. Chaperone wristbands can be requested at Registration.
Q: Is there any charge to get into the event if I am just coming to cheer on a Plunge participant?
A: No! Spectators are welcome to the event free of charge. There are, however, tons of great food and beverage vendors, crafters and other merchandise for sale at the event so you might want to have some money on hand for when you see that sweatshirt you just can’t live without!
Q: How do I become a Super Plunger?
A: Super Plungers are a select group of individuals who have plunged in the past and commit to raise a minimum of $10,000. While we appreciate the interest in the team, we are not always adding new team members. If you have an interest in becoming a Super Plunger, you can send your request along with some info about yourself and your history with the Plunge to lellingsworth@somd.org. Please do not join the Super Plunge team on your own. If you do so without official communication from the Super Plunge Liaison, your name will be removed and you will be notified of this.
FESTIVAL INFORMATION
Q: Are the Polar Bear Plunge sweatshirts for sale?
A: Yes, sweatshirts and tons of other great Plunge and Special Olympics merchandise is on sale at the Plunge. Be sure to stop by the Plunge Souvenir Booth located inside the festival tent to pick up your commemorative gear.
Q: Is tailgating allowed at Sandy Point State Park?
A: Tailgating at the MSP Polar Bear Plunge is allowed, but tailgaters must follow the rules and regulations as outlined by the Maryland Park Service. Anyone observed to be breaking these rules will be issued a citation by the MD Park Service, or escorted from Sandy Point, or both. Please remember that while in the park we are guests of the Maryland Park Service, and we ask that you respect these rules and regulations and respect Sandy Point State Park.
Tailgating Rules:
- No Glass
- No Firewood
- No Open Flames
- No coals – only propane grills are permitted
- No Littering
- Please Collect all Trash and Dispose of in Dumpsters
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Q: I was going to participate but now I can’t. Is there a way for me to cancel my registration?
A: If you simply want to let us know that you are no longer attending, there is no need. We expect a certain % of no-shows each year and plan accordingly. If you paid the minimum $50 contribution to Special Olympics Maryland, we appreciate the donation, as do the 10,000 SOMD athletes who will benefit from the funds raised at the MSP Plunge. Because it is a charitable contribution, it is non-refundable even if you are unable to participate.
Q: My email address has changed. Can I update my contact information myself?
A: Yes, you can. Simply log into your account and click on “Tools”. There is a form under that tab that allows you to enter an updated email address.
Q: I have Plunged in the past, but not last year. Is the login information I created still valid?
A: If you have participated in any plunge/dunk events in the past 4 years, click here to autofill this form. In order to see your giving history you must register with the same username and password. We do ask that you refrain from creating a new user record for the event if you have participated within the past four years, as this creates duplicate records in our database, which are an additional expense to Special Olympics Maryland.
Q: I misplaced/forgot my login information for the Plunge website. How can I retrieve that?
A: To retrieve lost or forgotten passwords, click here.
Q: Will I still have to wait in line if I have a FREEZ-E Pass?
A: Yes. The FREEZ-E Pass does not eliminate the lines altogether, however, it will certainly cut down on your wait time since all of the information needed by the registration volunteers is already included on the pass.
Q: Can I turn in my money and pick up my Plunge packet early so that I don’t have to wait in line on Plunge Day?
A: Yes! SOMD is now offering Plunge Packet Pick-Up out of the main office in Linthicum (513 Progress Drive, Suite P / Linthicum, MD 21090), so anyone is welcome to stop by during the times listed below to turn in Plunge donations and pick up their Plunge packet. However, there is no guarantee that sweatshirts will be available during these pre-event registration hours. Vouchers may be distributed in lieu of actual sweatshirts.
Plunge Packet Pick-Up Hours:
Jan. 22– 23: Noon to 4 p.m.
Jan. 24 – 28: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Q: I was going to participate but now my schedule doesn’t allow. Is it possible for me to turn in my money early and still receive the Plunge sweatshirt?
A: Anyone with Plunge donations of $50 or more is welcome to come by SOMD during Plunge Packet-Up hours (see above question for details) to turn in donations and pick up his or her Plunge packet. However, there is no guarantee that sweatshirts will be available during these pre-event registration hours. Vouchers may be distributed in lieu of actual sweatshirts. If that is the case and you know that you are unable to attend the Plunge to pick up your sweatshirt using that voucher (or have a friend do it for you), please speak with one of the volunteers and we will work with you to make sure that you receive it.
Q: Are there any special considerations given to those with special needs that would let them Plunge before the regular Plunge time?
A: Yes! All are welcome to attend and participate and Special Olympics MD and the Plunge committee are committed to making whatever arrangements are necessary to allow those with disabilities to still enjoy the experience. There are 2 sand wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-serve basis. In the past, a visually impaired participant requested that he be allowed to Plunge early and have an escort, which was also arranged. If you have a request for a participant with special needs, please contact us at plunge@somd.org with the details and someone will contact you.
Q: Why did I have to select a time to Plunge when I registered?
A: This is a new feature we have added to our registration form, and we are asking this solely for your benefit. Requesting this information from participants will give us an estimate for the number of people who will be Plunging during each of the two sessions, and that information is beneficial to our safety divers, the transportation committee, and even the food vendors because it gives them an idea of what kind of numbers to expect surrounding each of those Plunge times.
Q: When I registered, I selected the 1:00 Plunge, but now I am going to be with friends who are Plunging at 3:00 (or vice versa). How can I change my selected Plunge time?
A: There is no need to change your Plunge time – the time you selected was not an actual reservation of any kind, but was simply for informational purposes and will assist in planning the logistics surrounding the event. We are using the numbers as an estimate only, so we do not need you to inform us that you have opted for an alternative Plunge time.
Q: Can I Plunge at both 1 PM and 3 PM?
A: Absolutely! It’s your Plunge experience, so feel free to take as many dips as you’d like into the Chesapeake.
COOL SCHOOLS CHALLENGE
Q: I am a teacher/counselor with a group of students that wants to Plunge, but we can’t be there for the Friday Plunge. Can we still Plunge as a group on Saturday and be part of the overall Challenge?
A: Yes. The Cool Schools Challenge is open to any school groups, whether they participate on Friday or Saturday. All the same incentives and benefits apply.
Q: I can’t be there on Saturday for the Plunge now, but I saw that there was a Friday Plunge being offered. Can anyone participate in that one?
A: The Frigid Friday Plunge is available only to school teams who sign up under the Cool Schools Challenge. It is an exclusive event for schools, and even the school groups who wish to participate must pre-register. So no, it is not available to the general public.
Q: One of our team members can’t travel with us by bus. Is it possible for someone to drive in to Sandy Point just to drop a person off and then leave?
A: No, the parking guidelines for the MSP Plunge do not allow for this. However, someone wishing to attend could be dropped off at one of the satellite lots and then travel via shuttle bus to the park to meet with his or her team.
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