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.
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!
ALREADY REGISTERED? Sign in to your plunge page to customize your photo and bio, track progress, manage donations, and share your plunge link for fundraising!
PLUNGE DAY INFO
SATURDAY FEB. 8 | WATERFRONT PARK 215 Lake St. Burlington, VT 05401
FRIDAY, FEB. 7
4:00-7:00pm | Penguin Plunge Check in (strongly recommended)
Hotel Champlain Vermont Conference Room
SATURDAY, FEB. 8
9:00-10:00am | LAST CALL Cool Schools Check In
Hotel Champlain Vermont Conference Room
10:00-11:00am | LAST CALL Community Plunge Check In
Hotel Champlain Vermont Conference Room
11:00am | Cool Schools Plunge Begins
Waterfront Park Boat Launch Plungers should be checked in and at the plunge no later than 15 minutes prior to the start of their plunge.
12:00pm | Community Plunge Begins
Waterfront Park Boat Launch Plungers should be checked in and at the plunge no later than 15 minutes prior to the start of their plunge.
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.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Penguin Plunge, celebrating three decades of tradition, community, and joy.
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.
Why do I have to commit to raising a minimum of $250? The Penguin Plunge is our largest fundraiser of the year, raising around 40% of our operating budget. Because of the funds raised, our athletes are able to participate in Special Olympics Vermont sports and competitions and other programs at no cost. We know it can look scary, but fundraising is made easier by engaging your community and collecting donations to meet your goals!
FUNDRAISING TIPS
ASK YOUR FRIENDS
AND FAMILY!
SHARE TO
SOCIAL MEDIA!
GET CREATIVE
WITH IT!
FRIENDLY COMPETITION
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!
A simple post on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or X is an easy way to get your network to support your plunge!
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!
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!
COPY & PASTE 'ASKS'
Copy and paste these pre-written asks into an e-mail, facebook post, or text message to easily share with your network and start receiving donations!
-
"On February 8th I am braving the icy waters of Lake Champlain as a plunger in the 2025 Penguin Plunge for Special Olympics Vermont! Your contribution, large or small, will help provide inclusive year-round sports training and competitions for over 2,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities in Vermont. You can support my Plunge several ways. The best and easiest is to donate online. My personal page can be found at <<insert personal Plunge link>>. You can check this page to see my goal, money raised and more! Thank you in advance for your support!"
-
"I need your help! I am trying to raise <<goal amount>> for Special Olympics Vermont by February 8th when I will jump into Lake Champlain for the 2025 Penguin Plunge! Your donation creates life changing experiences for over 2,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities right here in Vermont! Visit my plunge page to make a contribution and track my progress! <<insert personal Plunge link>> "
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 4T2D and a 2025 Penguin Plunge towel that you will get as you run out of the water!
.png)
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 4T2D and a 2025 Penguin Plunge towel that you will get as you run out of the water!
PLUNGE PARTNERS
We could not hold this incredible event without the support and generosity of community partners.
PRESENTING
PLATINUM
GOLD
SILVER
Myer's Bagels
Northfield Savings Bank
Peggy & John Day
Vermont Federal Credit Union
Vermont State Treasurer
BRONZE
Acrisure
Bazin Brothers Trucking. Inc.
Darn Tough Vermont
Foam Brewers
National Life Group
NBT Bank
Pete's RV Center
Tech Group
UVM Health Network
Vermont Tent Company
MEDIA
RIBBON
Bourne's Energy
Burlington Telecom
Cabot Creamery Co-operative
GW Savage
Rhino Foods
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!
-
We are not currently hiring at this timeWe are always looking for dedicated volunteers! CLICK HERE to get involved as a volunteer!
PENGUIN PLUNGE FAQ'S
