Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside | Special Olympics New Jersey

Each year, the Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside challenges thousands of brave jumpers from around the state. It's a great way for everyone--individuals, teams, organizations and businesses--to get involved supporting Special Olympics New Jersey. All funds raised go towards programming and events for thousands of athletes statewide.

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About Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside

Registration Tiers & Fundraising Minimums

REGISTRATION TIERS

Early Bear ($100 minimum): September – December 31

Now I’m Ready Bear ($110 minimum): January 1 – January 31

Better Late Than Never Bear ($120 minimum): February 1 – February 16

Almost Missed It Bear ($125 minimum – FLAT RATE): February 17 – February 22

Please note that all plungers must meet the minimum fundraising amount by the time they check-in for the event.

When you register, there is a $25 registration fee. The good news is that the $25 registration fee counts toward the total fundraising minimum. So, the additional funds you need to raise are in addition to the $25 registration fee. However, between February 17 – 22nd, (Almost Missed It Bear) the registration fee is a flat rate of $125 to participate and receive a sweatshirt.

We encourage you to start your fundraising efforts early, reach out to your network, and raise funds to support our cause. Your contributions will significantly impact the community and those we serve.

Registration Information

Registration will open in early September for the 2025 plunge.

Join us in Seaside Heights, NJ for the Polar Bear Plunge, supporting Special Olympics New Jersey athletes. Dress up, bring props, and have a blast!

Here’s how to get started:

Register online for $25 and set up your fundraising page. The registration fee counts towards your minimum fundraising goal.
Share your fundraising page with family and friends through email and social media. Track donations, respond to donors, and monitor your progress towards the minimum.
Keep raising funds! As you reach higher fundraising milestones, you’ll also earn exciting Polar Bear Plunge incentives. Check out the Plunge Incentive page for details.

Remember, ALL plungers must raise the minimum amount to participate in the Plunge!

Let’s make a splash and support Special Olympics New Jersey athletes together!

Fundraising and Incentives

Event Information

Plunge Total

$2,478,092

$2,500,000

99%

Plunge Leaderboard

Individual Leaders

Lou Castano

Amount Raised: $30,342

Goal: $25,000

David Coppola

Amount Raised: $22,275

Goal: $22,000

Raymond Lill

Amount Raised: $15,443

Goal: $13,000

View All Individual Fundraisers ›

Team Leaders

2nd Avenue Freeze-Out

Amount Raised: $109,802

Goal: $100,000

NJKofC Polar Penguins

Amount Raised: $74,386

Goal: $70,000

Bayshore Shrinky Dinks

Amount Raised: $62,625

Goal: $75,000

View All Team Fundraisers ›

The Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside maybe a fundraiser benefiting Special Olympics New Jersey, but it's also a life changer for the athletes and their friends, families, and communities.

How Funds Make a Real Impact

For over 50 years, Special Olympics New Jersey has provided year-round sports training, competition, leadership opportunities, and health screenings to more thousands of athletes. All of these programs and services are completely FREE of charge, thanks to fundraising events like the Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside. Look below for a glimpse at how these funds are making a real impact!