CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF
TRADITION
REGISTER OR DONATE
Your plunge starts here! Register as an individual or as a part of a team! Once you've registered, you can start fundraising to earn great incentives and make an impact! Note: Registered plungers under the age of 18 years old must have a parent or guardian complete the waiver.
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Every donation matters! Whether you are donating to a friends plunge page or just want to contribute, your donation helps raise critical funds for Special Olympics Vermont!
COMMUNITY PLUNGE
COOL SCHOOLS PLUNGE
NEED HELP REGISTERING? Send us a message and we can help you get started!
ABOUT THE PLUNGE
The Penguin Plunge is a cherished annual event that brings together the Vermont community to brave the icy waters of Lake Champlain, in the spirit of raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics Vermont.
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This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Penguin Plunge, celebrating three decades of tradition, community, and joy.
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By taking the plunge or donating to a plunger, you can support our mission to foster inclusion and acceptance of individuals with intellectual disabilities and help create life changing experiences for a community of over 5,000 Vermonters.
FUNDRAISING
Ready, set, fundraise! All plungers must raise the minimum of $250*, raise even more to earn great prizes and make a bigger impact! Take a look at what you can earn plus find resources to help you fundraise! All prizes are cumulative.
*The minimum for Cool Schools plungers to be allowed to plunge is $150.
TAKE A LOOK AT OUR INCENTIVE LINEUP!
PLUNGE TOWEL AND 4T2D x PLUNGE BEANIE
Plungers who raise $250 or more will receive this years amazing Plunge beanie made locally by our friends at Fourbital Factory and a 2025 Penguin Plunge towel that you will get as you run out of the water!
COOL SCHOOLS INCENTIVES
PLUNGE TOWEL AND 4T2D x PLUNGE BEANIE
Cool Schools Plungers who raise $150 or more will receive this years amazing Plunge beanie made locally by our friends at Fourbital Factory and a 2025 Penguin Plunge towel that you will get as you run out of the water!
FUNDRAISING TIPS
ASK YOUR FRIENDS
AND FAMILY!
Ask your biggest supporters to help you achieve your fundraising goal! Invite them to come cheer you on when you take the plunge on Feb. 8!
SHARE TO
SOCIAL MEDIA!
A simple post on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or X is an easy way to get your network to support your plunge!
GET CREATIVE
WITH IT!
Put the fun in fundraising! Some examples we've heard are hosting a dinner party and asking guests to donate or pledging to wear a silly costume if you reach your fundraising goals!
FRIENDLY COMPETITION
Adding some competition can get plungers fired up to fundraise! Create a leaderboard in your office with fun prizes or partner with your rival school!
PLUNGE PARTNERS
We could not hold this incredible event without the support and generosity of community partners.
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PRESENTING
PLATINUM
Being a partner of this event not only means the recognition of your brand, but also the unique opportunity to connect with our athletes, volunteers, and supporters across a wide range of engaging platforms!
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MEDIA
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Special Events Internships (Two Available)Special Olympics Vermont is seeking passionate and motivated Special Events Interns to support its largest winter fundraising event, the Penguin Plunge, as well as additional fundraising and programmatic events throughout the time of the internship (October 2024 - March 2025), start and end dates are flexible! Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to Vice President of Mission Advancement, Kelsey Conway – kconway@vtso.org.
PENGUIN PLUNGE FAQ'S