FREEZIN' FOR A REASON
15th ANNUAL NEN POLAR PLUNGE FOR CHILDREN
February 8, 2009
Curley Recreation Center, L Street Beach
South Boston, MA
What is the Polar Plunge? The Plunge is a group leap into the
chilly waters of the Atlantic. Plungers raise funds to support education and services for children
in New England who have been abused or neglected, have special needs, and/or physical or mental
disabilities. It’s fun, exciting, and memorable and is for a really good cause – more than 20,000 kids in
50 nonprofit programs across New England benefit from Polar Plunge funds. All ages are welcome
(under 18 with parental/guardian permission).
When is the Plunge? Sunday, February 8, 2009. Registration time: 11:30-1pm.
Plunge time is 1:30 pm sharp. (Blizzard date is Feb. 22 at 1:30pm.)
Where is the Plunge? Curley Recreation Center, L Street Beach, South Boston, MA.
What do I wear? We suggest outer clothing that is warm and can be changed into and out of easily.
You may wear a swimsuit (no wet suits), water shoes or other suitable footwear and
absolutely no skinny-dipping! You should leave your wallet, valuables and jewelry with your guests or
don’t bring them at all. Warm refreshments are provided for Plungers and supporters. Costumes are
encouraged!
Do I have be part of a team? No. You can plunge either as part of a team or as an individual. If you would like to take the Plunge with your friends, simply come
up with a team name and put it on your registration form! If you are a solo plunger, indicate that you
will be plunging as an individual on your registration form. All individuals still need to raise a minimum
of $50 to participate.
How do I form a team? Check out these 9 Tips for Forming a Polar Plunge Team. It's easy.
What's it like to Plunge?
Still a little hesitant? Don't be. It's fun. Really! Check out a slideshow from last year's Plunge.
How do I register?
Registration is easier this year than ever! The whole process is being handled through a website called Firstgiving. You register, then literally create your own customized web page, adding your own photos and text. You're provided with a URL to that page that you can use to invite friends to sponsor you (or even join you). You'll also be able to track the donations people make to you — all online. You'll be amazed out how simple it is. Start by clicking here.
- Everyone registers the same way, whether you're going to plunge as an individual or as a member of a team. Start the process here. There is NO registration fee.
- There are two ways to collect pledges: Either ask your friends to pledge online, or pledge by mail using this print-out donor pledge form. Sponsors may also give their donations directly to you. All donations are due the day of the event.
How do I register if I'm under 18?If you're under 18, you must register with a parent or guardian present. Click here.
How much do I have to raise in pledges? In order to participate in the event you must raise at least $50. Our goal is for 100 Polar Bears to plunge and to raise $25,000.
How do I get there? Click here for directions.
Where to I park? There's plenty of street parking around the Curley Recreation Center.
What if I'm coming from out of state, and need to stay overnight? Easy. Click here for a list of local hotels.
What are the prizes?
Prizes are awarded to participants who bring in the following amounts of cash pledges the day of the Plunge. All prizes are mailed after the event.
| $50 | Polar Plunge travel mug indicating the date and your achievement, and a group photograph |
| $100-499 | Commemorative beach towel |
| $500-$999 | Commemorative spa robe |
| $1,000–1,499 | $50 Gift Certificate to LL Bean, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, Omaha Steaks or Eddie Bauer |
| $1,500–1,999 | $75 Gift Certificate to LL Bean, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, Omaha Steaks or Eddie Bauer |
| $2,000 or more | $100 Gift Certificate to LL Bean, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, Omaha Steaks or Eddie Bauer |
Are there any contests? Yes, we're sponsoring two contests this year:
Cold Medalist: The individual who raises the largest amount of money is our "Cold Medalist," and will receive a cute and fuzzy polar bear plush prize.
Best costume: Penguins, polar bears, mermaids – give it your best shot!
How do I raise the pledges?
Easy! Make $155 fast this way:
| Make your own contribution | $25 |
| Ask your partner, friend, spouse, parent | $15 |
| Ask 3 relatives for $15 each | $45 |
| Ask 4 friends for $10 each | $40 |
| Ask 3 co-workers or neighbors for $10 each | $30 |
| TOTAL | $155 |
What if my company wants to help sponsor the Plunge?
Great! See sponsorship opportunities and contact information here.
Need some more information? Contact Hattie Johnson, Plunge Coordinator, at polarplunge@nenetwork.org or (603) 496-1323.