It's a Plunge into cold water to raise money for Special Olympics Florida. Aquatica is usually warm and tropical, but for one day only they're icing down their wave pool so you can experience the "thrill of the chill" while supporting a great cause!
Polar Plunges are some of the most popular and successful Special Olympics fundraising events in the nation and we're diving into the fun too!
How can I participate? Become a Plunger, Virtual Plunger, sponsor a Plunger, or become a Corporate Sponsor.
Who can Plunge? Those who raise or donate a minimum $50 may come to Aquatica and take the Plunge. Plungers receive official commemorative Plunge gear and bragging rights. The incentives and prizes increase based on the amount of money you raise. Minimum age to Plunge is 15.
Where is the Plunge taking place? Aquatica - SeaWorld's Waterpark (Orlando)
When is the Plunge? January 16, 2010. Registration begins at 9:30AM. Opening Ceremony and Plunge at 11:00AM. After the Plunge, you get to stay and play at Aquatica all day!
Why are we Plunging? You'll be freezin' for reason! All proceeds support Special Olympics Florida, which provides year-round sports training and competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities at no cost to the athlete or their caregiver as a means to achieve physical fitness, self-esteem and life skills necessary to be a productive, respected and contributing members of their communities.
Registration Register using the FirstGiving button below! Pre-registration closes Thursday, January 14 at 5:00PM. You can also register on-site, the day of the Plunge, beginning at 9:30 AM.
I want to make a big splash for Special Olympics Florida! When you register on FirstGiving, that's like dipping a toe in the water. Raise $50 and you will earn entrance to Aquatica and get to Plunge. But why stop there? Go running, full speed into the waters bf generosity by raising even more money by building your own personal fundraising page on FirstGiving!
After you register, you'll be given the option to build a personal fundraising page right then or at a later time. The more you raise, the more cool incentive items you can receive in return!
It's super easy, fast and fun to build a page that reflects you and your desire to help the athletes of Special Olympics Florida.
What's more, we've created this great fundraising toolkit, which is full of ideas, helpful hints and tools to make becoming a "Super Plunger" easy!
Watch this short step-by-step video to see how incredibly easy it is to register and get your own fundraising page!
What's in it for me? The more you raise, the more stuff you get! You can actually keep fundraising until Friday, January 22, 2010 to try and reach the next incentive level.
Raise $50: Entry into Aquatica on 1/16/2010 for the Polar Plunge, Commemorative T-shirt
Raise $250: Entry into Aquatica on 1/16/2010 for the Polar Plunge, Commemorative T-shirt, All-day food pass for 1/16/2010, 2 tickets to Aquatica
Raise $500: Entry into Aquatica on 1/16/2010 for the Polar Plunge, Commemorative T-shirt, All-day food pass for 1/16/2010, 2 tickets to Aquatica, 2 tickets to SeaWorld
Raise $1,000: Entry into Aquatica on 1/16/2010 for the Polar Plunge, Commemorative T-shirt, All-day food pass for 1/16/2010, 2 tickets to Aquatica, 2 tickets to SeaWorld, Orlando hotel room (for 1/15/09 or 1/16/09) OR $50 Publix gift card
Raise $2,000: Entry into Aquatica on 1/16/2010 for the Polar Plunge, Commemorative T-shirt, All-day food pass for 1/16/2010, 2 tickets to Aquatica, 2 tickets to SeaWorld, Orlando hotel room (for 1/15/09 or 1/16/09) OR $50 Publix gift card, Dolphin Swim Experience at Discovery Cove for one (1)
How do I start or join a Plunge Team You can join a team when you register or at anytime through your Plunge fundraising page. Teams consist of a minimum of 10 Plungers who have each met the $50 goal. Plungers may only be part of ONE team.
Joining an Existing Team If you know your team name, simply select during your individual registration process.
Creating a Team
1) Choose a team captain.
2) Pick a name for your team. Captain registers team name during online registration.
3) Recruit friends and family to join your team. Teams must have a minimum of 10 people.
4) Raise as much money as possible for Special Olympics Florida!
What do I do as team captain?
1. As a team captain, register online at www.firstgiving.com/floridapolarplunge. When you arrive at our Polar Plunge page, select “Get Started” and follow the instructions to register.
During the registration process, FirstGiving will ask you “want to be part of a team?” Select “Add a new team” and enter your team name and if there’s an affiliation (company, group, club, etc.)
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your registration and create your fundraising page.
2. Recruit at least 9 other people to join your team. Each Plunger must register online as an individual and then join your team. Remember each Plunger must raise a minimum of $50 in order to “Take the Plunge!” on January 16. Make sure that each Plunger knows your team name for registration.
3. Distribute the Plunger toolkit to team members.
What about incentives? Incentives are awarded on an individual basis and there are team competitions and prizes.
Team Categories:
Corporate
Special Olympics County Programs
Law Enforcement
School/University
Other
What if I start a Team but don't end up with 10 people? No problem! The fun of a team is Plunging together and having fun with friends, family and colleagues. If you end up with less with 10 people, you're still a team, you just won't be eligible for the Team awards.
Are there awards? Yes! Awards will be given for: Biggest Team, Highest Grossing Team, and Best Costume.
I'd prefer to stay dry/can't attend the event, but still want to support Special Olympics. No problem...simply register as a Virtual Plunger and raise pledges to receive incentives just like the Plungers, without going into the icy water or attending the Plunge at all! Just like the Plungers, you'll need to raise a minimum of $50 to attend the event at Aquatica.
What if I collect donations off-line (cash, checks)? First, if you have created a FirstGiving personal fundraising page, know that you can add your off-line donations to your running total.
For those who give off-line donations...checks should be made payable to “Special Olympics Florida” and you can either bring checks and cash with you to check-in the morning of the Plunge, or for checks only (do not mail cash), they can be mailed directly to Special Olympics Florida, ATTN: Polar Plunge (1105 Citrus Tower Blvd, Clermont, FL 34711). Make sure your supporters include your full name so that our staff will know where to credit the contribution.
Do I have to sign a waiver? Yes! Prior to being allowed in to Aquatica to Plunge, all Plungers MUST completely fill out a waiver and turn it in at registration the day of the event. You can print/download the waiver now and bring it with you, or we will have waivers on site. No one will be admitted without a completed waiver. NOTE: be sure to initial page 1 of the waiver, in addition to completing the requested info on Page 2.
Any Plungers under 18 years of age must either have their waiver signed by their parent/legal guardian prior to arriving, or the parent/legal guardian must be present the day of the event if completing the waiver once at Aquatica.
Waiver for adults (18 years of age or older)
Waiver for minors (15-17 years of age. No Plungers under 15 allowed).
How does the Plunge actually occur? At 11:00AM, we'll have a brief kick-off ceremony and take a group picture of all of our Plungers and Virtual Plungers. Then, just prior to the actual Plunge, all the wacky and excited plungers will queue up and enter the plunger-only area.
We'll brief everyone on how to Plunge safely. After the briefing, our Special Olympics athletes and celebrity Plungers will be the first to Plunge! For their protection, we ask that everyone else hold back until they are safely out of the water.
Then, we’ll have everyone Plunge in waves (pun intended) of approximately 50 people at a time, until everyone has experienced the "thrill of the chill." We ask that you be mindful of your fellow Plungers when entering and exiting the wave pool, so that everyone has a safe and fun time!
Some Plungers only get their ankles wet; others go all the way in. Diving into the wave pool is strictly forbidden, for your own safety.
Isn't this risky? Only people in good health should participate as Plungers. Individuals with heart conditions may wish to support the Plunge as a proud Virtual Plunger.
Aquatica will have its lifeguards stationed around the wave pool to assist, if needed.
What happens if there is bad weather? The Plunge will take place as long as it is safe for the plungers. If there is a change to the schedule, we will post the information on the Polar Plunge page of our web site. There is no rain date. If we are forced to cancel, we hope you will still turn in your donations; you still will receive your incentive items.
I'd like to bring my family and friends to watch me Plunge. If you are Plunging and wish to bring family members or friends to watch; we will be giving out spectator passes.
These passes are only valid until 12:30 PM on January 16 and all people on these passes MUST leave the park by the scheduled time. This pass DOES NOT allow you to partake in Aquatica's rides and attractions - this is solely for entering the park to watch the Polar Plunge.
If you plan on bringing spectators to the Plunge, please email
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by no later than Thursday, January 14 to reserve your pass(es).
Parking? Parking is complimentary for everyone participating in the Polar Plunge. You must let the attendant know you are there for the "Polar Plunge."
Will there be food and beverages available? Yes. Aquatica will have its many great dining locations open for you to enjoy. Preview your options now!
Where can I change before and after the Plunge? Aquatica has changing facilities, restrooms and lockers available. Lockers are available for $5 (plus a $5 deposit, refunded when you return your key at the end of the day).
I want to stay overnight! Are there special room rates? Yes! For those interested staying for either Friday or Saturday night, Special Olympics has a special rate at the Fairfield Inn, which is just seconds away from Aquatica. The rate is $59 per night. If interested, contact the hotel directly (407-393-6039) and ask for Lindsay. Make sure to mention you are part of the Special Olympics Florida Polar Plunge.
