A kiddie pool. Get out in your community. Venture into the snow. The Super Plunge can be done however works best for you (safety first). Just make sure you are getting your 24 reps in – and in 24 hours or less.
Create Your Own Super Plunge
This year, you can take the Super Plunge YOUR WAY! Get ready to take those 24 icy dips in no more than 24 hours to support Special Olympics Illinois
REGISTER
How Do You Create Your Own Super Plunge?
24
Plunges
1,500
Fundraising Minimum
55,000
Community Members Statewide
Check out our COOL Incentives in 2025
$100
Hoodie$250
Carhartt Beanie$500
Plunge Beach Towel$1,000
Windbreaker ¼ zip$2,500
Oversized Sherpa Blanket$5,000
Choice of Carhartt Jacket or Knee Length JacketLEADERBOARDS
1.David Mills
Team Captain
Raised $100
Raised $250
Raised $500
Raised $1,000
1st Time Plunger
Raised $2,500
Raised $5,000
2.Megan Gruenwald|IV Penguins
1st Time Plunger
Raised $100
Raised $250
Raised $500
Team Captain
Raised $1,000
Raised $2,500
Raised $5,000
3.Mary Cheverud
Team Captain
Raised $100
Raised $250
1st Time Plunger
Raised $500
Raised $1,000
Raised $2,500
Raised $5,000
4.Kelly Roland
Raised $100
Raised $250
1st Time Plunger
Team Captain
Raised $500
Raised $1,000
Raised $2,500
Raised $5,000
5.Grieta Danosa
1st Time Plunger
Team Captain
Raised $100
Raised $250
Raised $500
Raised $1,000
Raised $2,500
Raised $5,000
CREATE YOUR OWN
SUPER PLUNGE
Be SUPER Cool. Take the SUPER Plunge
Join an elite group – those who have taking the SUPER PLUNGE! So, what is the difference between the Super Plunge and a traditional Polar Plunge? Super Plunges commit to taking 24 icy dips in 24 hours to support the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois. That’s right. 24 dips. And, with the Create Your Own Super Plunge option, you can take those icy dips however you would like (safely, of course). So register and kick off your fundraising today to make this a more inclusive world tomorrow.
Social Media Toolkit
Share your Polar Plunge journey with your social network - you can use the sample posts and graphics below.
Sample Posts
Post #1
"I’ve pledged to #PlungeIllinois this year, and I need your help! Every year, Special Olympics Illinois hosts hundreds of events for persons with intellectual disabilities, and FYI - each donation of $150 sends one athlete to a competition. Help me make a difference by donating today! [INSERT PERSONAL FUNDRAISING LINK]"
Post #2
I’m taking on #PlungeIllinois to support the thousands of athletes that compete with Special Olympics Illinois. This organization changes lives by unleashing the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sport, every day. Join in supporting the mission. Donate here: [INSERT PERSONAL FUNDRAISING LINK].
Post #3
I have chosen to #PlungeIllinois this year in support of the life-changing mission of Special Olympics Illinois. When you donate, you help thousands of athletes in Illinois realize their full potential in sports and in life. So BE COOL and join me in helping to make the world a more inclusive place! Donate: [INSERT PERSONAL FUNDRAISING LINK]
Social Profiles
Frequently Asked Questions
Event Questions & Answers
What is the Polar Plunge?
The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge is a unique opportunity for individuals, organizations, and businesses to support Special Olympics athletes by taking icy dips into Illinois waters. In 2024, the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics Illinois will be hosting Polar Plunges across the state as well as having participants choose to Create Your Plunge.
How old do you have to be to Plunge?
There is no age requirement to participate in the Polar Plunge. Young children are welcome to participate, but that decision is left to the sole discretion of the child’s parent or guardian. For individuals under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must agree to the Terms and Conditions during the online registration process and/or sign the event participant waiver.
What is the minimum amount that I need to raise to participate in the event?
All Plungers must raise a minimum of $100.
What incentives are available to participants who raise more than the minimum $100?
Incentives will be available for Plungers at the at the $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, and $5,000 fundraising thresholds. You can see the options when available on the Plunger Incentives page.
Are the Polar Plunge incentives or sweatshirts available for purchase?
We do not sell any of our Polar Plunge incentives because we feel it is a privilege for those who participate and have earned the various incentive levels.
What is your refund policy?
Donations made to the Polar Plunge are charitable contributions and nonrefundable.
When and how will I receive my sweatshirt?
All traditional Polar Plungers who have reached their $100 fundraising minimum by the time they attend their traditional Polar Plunge will receive their 2024 Polar Plunge sweatshirt at the Special Olympics Illinois-hosted event. Please note, if your minimum is not reached prior to the event, sweatshirt sizes available onsite are only available while supplies last. Create Your Own Plunge participants will receive their sweatshirts via the mail in late April as long as submit their $100 minimum to Special Olympics Illinois by March 28, 2024.
How do I submit offline donations?
- For cash donations under $100, plungers should deposit the cash into their bank account and make a donation via their Donor Drive fundraising page.
- For cash donations over $100, plungers should exchange donations into a money order or cashier check. Then complete this Offline Donation Submission Form and mail it along with the money order to the address below. Ensure you include complete donor information so that a tax letter can be sent to your donor.
- Check donations should be mailed along with a completed Offline Donation Submission Form to the address below:
Mail offline donations to:
Special Olympics Illinois
Attn: Polar Plunge
605 East Willow St.
Normal, IL 61761
I have a donor who wants to write a check. Who should they make it payable to?
All checks should be made payable to Special Olympics Illinois. Donations of $100 or more with complete donor information will receive a tax letter from Special Olympics Illinois.
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 Illinois. When registering, select the “Create a Team” option.
Can my team still plunge together?
Teams can plunge together at one of our traditional Plunge events or Create Your Own Plunge.
Participant Account Questions & Answers
Do all team members’ need to register online?
Yes. All plungers must register online. Individuals under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian with them when they register as they must agree to our Terms and Conditions and/or sign and return the event participant waiver prior to plunging. If you are unable to register online, please contact your local Plunge Director for offline registration options.
I accidentally registered twice. What should I do?
In order to properly track your online donations, it is best that you only have one online registration record per Plunge location. If you accidentally registered twice, contact your Plunge Director or email polarplunge@soill.org. Please include your Plunge location, the two email addresses you registered under and which of those accounts you would like to keep. We will take care of the issue and email you back once the correction has been made.
Can team members share an online donation?
Donations made online cannot be split between team members.
How do I find my friend’s Plunge page to make a donation?
You can search for Plungers by utilizing our Donate page feature.
Will I be able to see pictures from the Plunge online after the event?
Yes! Pictures and videos received from Plungers will be available from our Special Olympics Illinois Flickr account.
I don’t want to use the online fundraising program. Can I still participate?
Yes! While we encourage you to register online, but individuals are able to collect donations offline by utilizing this Offline Donation Submission Form. This form along with a minimum of $100 in donations must be received in person on the day of your Polar Plunge. You will be asked to complete a waiver and other registration paperwork onsite as well.
Offline registration paperwork, waiver and donations should be mailed to:
Special Olympics Illinois
Attn: Polar Plunge/ participant’s name
605 East Willow St.
Normal, IL 61761
If mailing donations, make sure to exchange all cash into a money order. Also, make sure to complete and include an Offline Donation Submission Form so we can be sure to credit your efforts correctly. Any questions please contact your Plunge Director or email polarplunge@soill.org.
